The Pacific Coast Shark Attacks Of 1984
Wikimedia CommonsStarting on September 15, 1984, four different shark attacks took place along the west the coast of the U.S.
During a 15-day period in 1984, four different shark attacks were documented off the west coast of the United States.
Omar Conger, a 28-year-old abalone diver, was the first victim of this series of shark attacks, on September 15, 1984. Echoing the case of Robert Pamperin, Conger was in the water with his friend when a great white shark grabbed him, seemingly out of nowhere.
The shark did eventually let Conger go, and his friend grabbed him, placing him on their diving mat. Unfortunately, Conger bled to death before they made it back to the shore.
Conger was the only fatality in this series of attacks, though three other people did have harrowing encounters with sharks in the surrounding days. Despite the attacks, and warnings from officials, many people seemed undeterred from taking a trip to the beach.
Wikimedia CommonsSharks can sometimes mistake divers for their natural prey.
John Bollinger, the supervisor for the State Parks Department’s Half Moon Bay station, said at the time that, despite the attack on Conger, thousands of people still showed up to the beach that Sunday.
“The attack won’t turn off anybody but they might give it a second thought before going in,” Bollinger said. “People know there are sharks out there.”
Still, officials cautioned people to stay out of the water. Divers were especially at risk, as their diving suits can make them appear like seals, making them more likely to be attacked than an everyday beachgoer.
