HISTORY This Week The Shark Attacks That Made Us Fear the Water
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Aug 11, 2025 Joining the discussion is Richard G. Fernicola, an expert on the notorious 1916 shark attacks and author of *Twelve Days of Terror*. He recounts the chilling events that led to public panic, including the tragic attack on Charles Bruder at the Jersey Shore. Fernicola highlights how a mix of myth and reality at that time turned sharks from perceived harmless creatures into symbols of fear. The podcast also delves into the community's desperate reactions and the lasting impact these incidents had on society's view of sharks.
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Early Shark Investigator Publishes Findings
- J.T. DuBois investigated global reports after a 1909 ship collision and collected sworn affidavits of shark attacks.
- He published a 1915 New York Times letter arguing man-eating sharks were real despite skeptical experts.
Beach Haven Attack Kills Young Swimmer
- Charles Van Zandt swam with his dog off Beach Haven and was attacked, losing his leg and dying shortly after.
- Witnesses saw a fin and the water turn red before rescuers pulled him ashore and rushed him to the hotel.
Spring Lake Death Sparks Media Panic
- Charles Bruder swam at Spring Lake and returned with his lower legs missing, dying before reaching shore.
- His reported last words, "A shark bit me," made the front page and sparked panic along the Jersey Shore.
