It’s likely that someone researching the most beautiful beaches in the world would at some point come across mention and pictures of the Seychelles, specifically Anse Lazio beach on the Island of Praslin. Spectacularly light blue waters and sugar white sand surround boulders strewn about as if they themselves were sunbathing. It’s also, of course, where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor honeymooned in May. An idyllic locale for sure, or at least it was until late.
16 days ago a 36 year old French tourist was attacked in the water, presumably by a shark, and died from his injuries. Regretably, it’s just happened again, this time resulting in the death of a British man (scroll down) on his honeymoon just 30 feet from shore where his new wife lay sunbathing. This latest attack occurred on the same day island officials were convening to discuss the previous attack. They’ve now contacted a shark expert from South Africa who’s been flown in to assist with the investigation. Preliminarily, they think it’s a Tiger, possibly a rogue shark that’s responsible for both attacks.
Movies like Jaws have served to underscore the senseless practice of a kneejerk reaction in which many of the local sharks would be hunted and killed, all in an sloppy attempt to find the one killer. But if they do think it’s a rogue and do undertake a responsible search it would be very interesting to follow the specifics of their plan and whatever results they might encounter.
Reading the article leaves one with empathy for the unimaginable anguish his bride is going through now. Anse Lazio is a treasure and it will be a good day when again it’s thought of only in the context of its beauty and serenity.