Remains of American Diver Found Inside Shark Stomach in Indonesia

The remains of Colleen Monfore, a 68-year-old American woman, have been discovered inside a shark after she went missing during a diving trip in Indonesia. Monfore, a resident of Holland, Michigan, disappeared on September 26 while diving near Pulau Reong Island, off the coast of Indonesia’s Southwest Maluku Regency. Her whereabouts remained unknown until a fisherman found an agitated shark and killed it, discovering human remains along with a wetsuit and bathing suit inside its stomach.

According to Asia Pacific Press, initial reports suggested that Monfore was attacked and eaten by the shark. However, a friend of Monfore, Kim Sass, contends that this explanation might be inaccurate. “Colleen’s body was identifiable,” Sass stated. “This would not be possible if the shark had attacked her weeks ago.” Sass, in a Facebook post, indicated that Monfore likely died of a medical issue while diving and that the shark consumed her remains afterward.

The diver’s remains were found more than 70 miles away from the dive site, near Timor-Leste, approximately eight days after she vanished. Experts have noted that shark stomachs can dissolve metal and prevent large bones and indigestible items from passing through the stomach, which appears to support the assertion that Monfore died before being consumed.

Rick Sass, Kim’s husband, told The Post that Monfore was well-versed in diving, having gone on numerous diving trips with her husband, Michael Monfore, over 30 years. “They dove massive numbers of trips with us over 30 years,” Rick said, mentioning destinations like Bali, Philippines, and Bikini Atoll. Rick and others close to the situation believe a medical issue may have precipitated Monfore’s disappearance.

Monfore’s disappearance happened during a seven-week diving tour in the region, according to Rick Sass. Her remains were positively identified by fingerprint analysis. Her husband, Michael, is currently coordinating with authorities to have her remains returned to the United States.

Despite the gruesome discovery, her family and friends remember Monfore fondly. “She was an amazing woman,” said Rick. “She loved nature and animals and never would have wanted a shark to be blamed for this tragedy.”

Indonesian authorities continue to investigate the incident, attempting to determine the specific circumstances surrounding Monfore’s death.