Jonathan Kieran

Wrenching news out of Port Macquarie waters in Australia: 44 year-old surfer, Toby Begg, was attacked by a 15-ft. great white shark while in the midst of his circle of friends, floating about to catch some waves, and in the gruesome encounter Toby lost one leg, with the second leg supposedly in jeopardy.

To say that such a misfortune is life-changing does not do justice to the tragedy. Toby is/was a building contractor with a wife and two children to care for. That career is over. Apparently, a photographer on the beach happened to get a pic of the attack just before it occurred, with the murky Australian waters swelling at the surface just as the animal prepared to strike. The scene is, in some respects, as chilling as if the actual attack were captured on film. The tableau of imminent doom grips the viewer.

A litany of surgeries await the poor gent and he is by no means out of danger when it comes to losing his life altogether. While our thoughts go out to Toby and his loved ones, Port Macquarie waters are known for significant great white shark activity. We all want to enjoy our outdoor hobbies safely and practically anything can happen to anyone, anywhere, but one does have to ask whether it’s worth it to tempt fate in such a manner, particularly with great white shark numbers on the uptick.

Prayers and thoughts, thoughts and prayers go out to Toby and his horrified loved ones. A GoFundMe has been established for Toby and can be accessed via the page featuring the grim story.

Godspeed, surfers. Hopefully, Toby survives and can find a way to rebuild his life, but a staggering battle awaits.

[Look for Jonathan Kieran’s fabulous new—as yet untitled—book of hundreds of witty, cynical, zeitgeist-rocking, and knee-slappingly clever cartoons of Pure Smartassery in 2024! Stay tuned for developing news and previews.]

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