The Infamous Matawan Shark Attacks of 1916

Name: The Infamous Matawan Shark Attacks of 1916
Start: 1905-07-12
Location: Unspecified

The Tragic Events of July 1916

The summer of 1916 was marked by a series of shocking events that struck fear into the hearts of beachgoers along the Jersey Shore. Among the most notorious were the Matawan shark attacks, which occurred from July 1st through early August. The third and fourth attacks took place between July 30 and 31 at the picturesque Matawan Creek, leaving a lasting impact on local communities and sparking widespread panic.

The Victim: Lester Stilwell

One principal character in this harrowing account was young Lester Stilwell, an 11-year-old boy who tragically became the victim of the attack. On the afternoon of July 30, Stilwell was swimming in Matawan Creek when he was suddenly and violently dragged beneath the waters by a lurking shark. Unbeknownst to the locals, this would be a pivotal moment in the infamous event. Witnesses would later state that it appeared as if Lester had suffered a seizure, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of the dire situation.

The Attempted Rescue

In an act of bravery, 24-year-old Watson Fisher entered the creek to try and rescue Lester's body. Tragically, as he reached for the boy, he himself fell victim to the same shark. Fisher was bitten and sustained serious injuries, leading to considerable blood loss. Just moments after the shark attacked Fisher, witnesses claim he emerged from the water in a frenzy, signaling for help. Unfortunately, he would later succumb to his injuries, solidifying the day’s tragic tally.

The Community in Panic

The news of these attacks sent shockwaves through Matawan and the surrounding towns. People were terrified to enter the waters and the once-bustling beaches suddenly became ghost towns filled instead with whispers of fear and anxiety. Townsfolk began employing various methods to hunt down the shark, believing it to be the sole predator responsible for the attacks.

Aftermath of the Attacks

The aftermath of the shark attacks highlighted the community's resilience as citizens banded together, organizing tar and netting searches, and developing new safety protocols to protect swimmers from potential threats in the waters. The fear at the Jersey Shore was palpable, and these events significantly altered the perception of ocean safety.

Media Coverage and Public Reactions

Media coverage of the shark attacks intensified public fear, with headlines highlighting the gruesome nature of the incidents. The events of July 30 and 31 were reported not just locally but also gained national attention, fueling an obsession with shark attacks that still lingers today. Public officials began to emphasize health and safety measures around freshwater and ocean swimming, putting in place regulations to prevent future incidents.

Fun Fact

Matawan's Contemporary Reflections

More than a century later, the Matawan shark attacks are still commemorated. The creek where these events unfolded remains a point of intrigue for historians and locals alike, situated much differently than it was over 100 years ago.