Swellnet Dispatch Diver Killed by Sharks in South Australia

In: Swellnet Dispatch by Stu Nettle 10 Comments Thu 17th Feb '11

Tags: howard rodd , danny thorpe , peter clarkson , sharks

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Peter Clarkson, a cowrie shell expert who co-wrote a book on the subject, was last night killed by two sharks while diving south of Perforated Island near Coffin Bay in South Australia. Clarkson, who was diving for abalone, was returning to the surface when the sharks attacked.

The attack was witnessed by Howard Rodd, who was the skipper of the boat they were diving from. Rodd and Clarkson had been working together for a few years diving and shelling in the region. Last year Clarkson gave a written testimonial on the merits of Shark Shield, an electronic shark deterrent, yet it is not known if he was wearing one at the time.

It is the second tragedy at sea for Rodd. In 2000 the boat that he was on capsized in waters off Ceduna. The only other person on the boat, Danny Thorpe, decided to cling to the upturned boat while Rodd set off for a nearby island. He didn't make the island, instead washing up at Point Peter 14 kilometres from where the boat capsized. Rodd then walked 20 kilometres through the desert to get help. After a full-scale search all that was found of Thorpe or the boat was a shredded life vest, and it was suspected Thorpe was taken by a shark.

Following the death of Thorpe, Rodd 'vowed that he would never go to sea again.'

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