US woman's remains found in shark's stomach in Timor-Leste after diving in Indonesia
The remains of an American tourist who went diving in Indonesia last September were reportedly found in the stomach of a shark in Timor-Leste.
Multiple outlets such as The Independent reported that Colleen Monfore, 68, and her friends explored the ocean around Pulau Reong island on Sept. 26 when strong currents dragged her away. Their guide was unable to pull Monfore back on the boat, prompting an eight-day search before being called off.
But last week, a fisherman in Timor-Leste captured and killed a shark some 120 km (75 miles) away from where Monfore went missing.
“The shark was caught but it was not in normal health. I thought it had swallowed plastic or a fishing net,” the New York Post quoted the fisherman as saying. “It was cut open to find the problem and inside there were the remains of a woman.”
A wetsuit and bathing suit were also found in the shark's stomach.
They were identified to be Monfore's, though authorities are still trying to determine whether they could be another missing person.
Timor-Leste officials have reached out to the Indonesian coast guard. They also asked people who may have missing friends or relatives to provide information.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Management of the Alor Islands Marine Park, said they've coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Dili.
“The body of the woman was found in a shark in Timor Leste. It was not in Indonesian territory," Goro said. "We are now investigating the case further to confirm if they are the remains of anyone reported missing in Indonesia."
A United States Department spokesperson in a statement shared with PEOPLE Magazine said they "are aware of reports of the of the death of a U.S. citizen off the coast of Indonesia."
"We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss, and are providing all appropriate consular assistance," the spokesperson added. "Out of respect to the family's privacy during this difficult time, we have no further comment.”
Monfore's friend, meanwhile, warned against claims that she was eaten and killed by the shark.
On Facebook, Kim Sass noted that sharks’ stomachs are adapted for rapid digestion, containing strong acids and enzymes that break down the food quickly into smaller particles. Monfore's body and fingerprints, however, are still identifiable.
“This would not be possible if the shark had attacked her weeks ago,” Sass said.
Sass also cited dive computer information and photos provided by Monfore's husband, as well as testimonies from two other divers and a dive master. They believe Monfore died of a "medical issue."
"She was at 24ft of water when the group turned around because of a change of current. She most likely had a half of tank of air," Sass said.
Though there was a down current at the turnaround site, she said it was manageable.
"I've easily done 1000+ dive[s] with this gracious woman; she was an excellent diver," Sass said. "I don't believe it was the environment and certainly not a shark that ended her life."
"Finally, Colleen's husband said she would [have] been heartsick to know a shark died because of her," she added, "and that her death is giving sharks, once again, a bad name."