100 Years ago....
Beaurepaire hero of shark attack rescue
Feb 4, 1922
A young swimmer punched and kicked a huge shark which mauled him, off Coogee Beach, during a water carnival in Sydney today. The shark attacked Michael Coghlan, aged 19, as he swam into dangerous water near a reef. As Coghlan fought the shark, horrified spectators raised an alarm.
A young life-saver, Jack Chalmers, plunged into the surf with a rope, and the Olympic medallist, Frank Beaurepaire, swam desperately to assist as the shark continued to attack. Coghlan collapsed into Chalmer's arms and the rescuers scared off the shark. They brought Coghlan to shore with his arms almost severed. He died within minutes of reaching hospital.
Article from "Chronicle of the 20th Century" ISBN 1 872031 80 3
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