Perth Authorities Pause Shark Hunt to Serve Suspect With Summons
Officials say due process must be observed before any fin can be legally pursued.
Search efforts off Perth's beaches were briefly suspended this week after officials determined that the shark named in the kill order was entitled to be formally served before any pursuit could continue. A maritime magistrate was flown in by helicopter to preside over the matter from the deck of a patrol boat.
A public defender, assigned to the case on short notice, requested more time to prepare, noting that her client had not yet been located, identified, or in any way made aware that proceedings against it existed. The request was granted, and the search for the shark was reclassified as a search for a co-defendant.
"We came together as one coastline, divided," said a spokesperson for the tribunal, before excusing himself to draft a subpoena that would be delivered, if possible, underwater.
The helicopters continued circling, though pilots were reportedly instructed to announce themselves before approaching any dorsal fin, in case it turned out to belong to the respondent rather than a witness. Boats idled offshore awaiting a ruling on whether the kill order could proceed before the shark had entered a plea.
As of the latest update, the tribunal remains in recess, the shark remains unlocated, and the beaches remain patrolled by vessels whose captains have been asked to hold all spearguns until further notice from the bench.