A woman from the United States has reportedly been consumed by a shark after an unfortunate event swept her out to the ocean during her ideal getaway.
Colleen Monfore, aged 68, had eagerly anticipated her diving holiday in Indonesia for some time.
She journeyed with six friends to the Pulau Reong island, part of the Pacific nation, on September 26th, ready to enjoy the vacation.
However, the situation quickly turned tragic when the South Dakota native was carried away by powerful currents.
Her companions and guide were unable to retrieve her onto the boat, prompting the deployment of rescue teams.
The search was ultimately unsuccessful and was discontinued on October 3rd after an eight-day operation.
The mission was terminated due to the low likelihood of locating Colleen, coupled with perilous sea conditions.
Subsequent findings suggest Colleen was likely consumed by a shark after a fisherman from neighboring East Timor captured one on October 6th, three days post search termination.
The fisherman discovered human remains within the shark.
“The shark was caught but it was not in normal health. I thought it had swallowed plastic or a fishing net,” he said.
“It was cut open to find the problem and inside there were the remains of a woman.”
The Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for the Management of the Alor Islands Marine Park and surrounding ocean stated: “We have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Dili, and the KBRI has confirmed the truth of this information.”
“The body of the woman was found in a shark in Timor Leste. It was not in Indonesian territory.
“We are now investigating the case further to confirm if they are the remains of anyone reported missing in Indonesia.”
Officials from East Timor are maintaining communication with the Indonesian coast guard and are requesting any information about this incident or similar cases in the surrounding areas be reported.
The remains found in the shark were clothed in a diving suit and identified as those of a ‘foreign female’.
The remains have yet to be formally identified.
Ipda Giovani BM Toffy, the chief of police in Southwest Maluku, stated: “We coordinated with the Nabar Village Government to mobilise residents to help search the coast facing Reong Island and conduct searches around the waters of Reong Island using long boats or speed boats, but the victim has not been found.”