9-10-2024 (DILI) A grim discovery in the waters off East Timor has led authorities to believe that an American tourist, missing since late September, has met a tragic end. Collen Monfore, a 68-year-old diver from South Dakota, is now presumed dead after body parts, believed to be his, were found inside a shark caught by a local fisherman.
The shocking turn of events began on Sunday when an East Timorese fisherman made a gruesome discovery upon catching a shark. Inside the creature’s body, he found a severed hand still encased in a wetsuit. The fisherman’s photograph of the discovery quickly circulated on social media, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Officials in the Liquisa District of Timor-Leste, where the shark was caught, initially believed the remains belonged to a Western woman due to the pale complexion of the fingers. However, subsequent inquiries have led investigators to connect the discovery with the disappearance of Monfore, who had been missing since 26 September.
26 September 2024 seorang turis wanita WNA asal AS bernama Carol Colleen Monfore (68) hilang saat diving di pulau Reong, Kec. Wetar Utara, Kab. Maluku Barat Daya, Maluku.
06 Oktober 2024 (11 hari kemudian) nelayan temukan satu mayat dalam perut Ikan Hiu di Liquica Timor Leste. pic.twitter.com/qYBcjAUiG6
— Bekalicky (@bekalicky) October 7, 2024
The fisherman who caught the shark reported that the animal appeared unwell. “The shark’s health was not normal. We suspect it may have ingested plastic or fishing nets,” an official stated, explaining the decision to dissect the creature.
In response to the discovery, Timorese officials reached out to the Indonesian coast guard and made a public appeal for information about missing divers in the region, which has become increasingly popular among tourists for its diving spots.
Ipda Giovani BM Toffy, Head of the Southwest Maluku Police where Monfore was first reported missing, provided more details about the initial disappearance. “The tour guide who accompanied the group of divers initially reported the victim missing,” Toffy explained.
Monfore had been part of a group of seven friends on a boat trip to a dive site near Reong Island, which falls under Indonesian territory. According to reports, he was swept away by a strong current and thrown overboard. Despite the guide’s efforts, they were unable to pull him back into the boat.
“We coordinated with the Nabar Village Government to mobilise residents for a coastal search facing Reong Island. We also conducted searches in the surrounding waters using longboats and speedboats, but the victim could not be found,” Toffy added.
Rescue efforts continued for eight days before being called off on 3 October due to dangerous sea conditions and the diminishing likelihood of finding the tourist alive.
