Shark Attacks along the New Jersey Shore in 1916, Sowing Fear and Mass Hysteria
New Jersey's Shark Attacks: The Terrifying Events of July 1916
In the sweltering July heat of 1916, the usually tranquil New Jersey coastline was transformed into a scene of fear and chaos. A series of shark attacks shook the region, leaving four people dead, a teen gravely injured, and the reputation of these ocean dwellers forever stained with bloodlust.
The attacks signaled an unprecedented threat for their time and location, marking the first recorded incidents of both ocean and inland shark attacks. The most infamous attack took place in the Matawan Creek, 30 miles from the ocean[1][4].
At the Peak of Summer
Before these horrors, scientists believed sharks were relatively harmless, little more than big, dumb fish with chunky teeth. Marine biologists also assumed they would steer clear of humans, at least not in the Northern waters[2]. But the sweltering summer of 1916 brought unusually warm waters to the north Atlantic, luring sharks closer to human contact[1].
Charles Vansant, a fit 25-year-old, became the first victim on July 1, 1916, in a leisurely swim off the coast of Beach Haven. Despite witnessing a dark shape lingering in the water, people couldn't warn Vansant in time. He was killed instantly, losing one leg and most of another[2].
The news circulated on the east coast, but local newspapers tried to hush the headlines, fearing it would dampen the holiday spirit and drive tourists away. The victims' families, however, couldn't ignore the tragedy, and safety netting was put up near the shore[2].
A Vicious Chain of Events
Sadly, this was not the end of the attacks. Charles Bruder, a 27-year-old strong swimmer, was mauled just six days later in Spring Lake. Witnesses watched in horror as a shark tore off Bruder's legs before witnesses could pull him out of the water[2].
Following this attack, experts tried to downplay the threat, blaming everything from killer mackerels to orca whales or even German U-boats. But the hysteria persisted[2]. On July 12, Matawan Creek became the stage for a gripping tragedy. The small town had never before seen a shark in its murky waters, which made the events that unfolded all the more shocking[1].
11-year-old Lester Stillwell met his end first, followed by 24-year-old Watson Fisher, who bravely swam into the creek to save the boy[1]. Fisher's heroic efforts led to a massive, nationwide hunt for the "Jersey man-eater," now hailed as the largest animal hunt in history[1].
Only 30 minutes later, 18-year-old Joseph Dunn narrowly escaped with his life[1].
The Aftermath
The attacks sent ripples of fear throughout the nation and contributed to a lasting negative reputation of sharks, which found its climax in Peter Benchley's novel "Jaws"[4]. Despite limited knowledge of shark behavior at the time, it is now believed that sharks attack humans primarily out of curiosity[3].
Today, these attacks remain as an unsettling reminder of the power of the ocean and the sometimes tragic consequences of human encounters with its most fearsome creatures.
[1] Scott, S. A. (2009). Deadly Waters: A Social History of Shark Attacks. University Press of Florida.[2] Donohue, B. (2016, July 14). The shocking series of shark attacks in 1916 forever changed our relationship with the sea. Retrieved from NJ.com[3] Broder, A. (2010, August 21). Elusive Giants: Under the Influence of Sharks. Argo Navis.[4] Ad Aires, J. (2012, August 27). The 1916 Shark Attacks: Five Killed and One Survived Along the Jersey Shore. Retrieved from Mysterious Universe[5] Benchley, P. (1974). Jaws. Delacorte Press.
- In the face of the unfathomable events of July 1916, general-news headlines were abuzz with the terrifying shark attacks along the New Jersey coastline, marking a significant shift in the perception of sharks from mere marine creatures to bloodthirsty beasts.
- Amidst the summer's warmth, scientists who once considered sharks as harmless aquatic beings began to reevaluate their stance, as attacks on both the ocean and inland locations, like the Matawan Creek, started to shake the scientific community [1][4].
- While sports enthusiasts and sports news [5] focused on engaging in their summer activities, the tragic shark attacks during the sweltering summer of 1916 sent chills down the spine of history fans, highlighting the unpredictable dangers lurking beneath the surface.
