This article was first published in the June 3, 2005 edition of the Amity Gazette, which was created by the Vineyard Gazette in honor of the 30th anniversary of Jaws' release in theatres.
Reported sightings of Portuguese man-o-war off the Amity south shore continued last weekend when an off-Island woman came out of the water on South Beach with what she described as "stinging lesions" on her arms and legs.
The official report from Amity Hospital, however, ascribes the injuries sustained by Boston resident Linda Brownhouse to "nothing more than a minor boating accident."
The disparity echoes the incident 30 years ago when a boating accident was listed as the cause of death for a young woman who in fact was the victim of a shark attack.
"I believe the hospital's willingness to blame 'boating accidents' for these attacks by sea life is indicative of an extreme and unfounded boating prejudice within Amity's town government," said Jack Lurk, president of LAWS, the League Against Watercraft Segregation. "It's just not fair."
Beaches Open
The Amity Gazette is pleased to report that the town beaches will open as scheduled this weekend, regardless of the trajectory of Hurricane Chaz. Island residents are encouraged to go swimming.
Souvenirs Pose Health Risk
Three souvenir shops have been temporarily closed, as state inspectors conduct safety evaluations in the wake of several accidents involving shark-related merchandise.
Among the products cited as potentially dangerous is the Shark-Bee, a Frisbee with authentic shark's teeth attached to its outer edge. Complaints of children tearing their palms open while attempting to catch the Shark-Bee have sparked outrage among consumer advocate groups.
Recalls have been issued on similar products in recent years. The Shark Atakk X-Treme, a 20-inch motorized shark jaw that snaps shut and reopens at random intervals, was pulled from the shelves two years ago. Parents complained that the toy was not only dangerous, but also absolutely terrifying.
80th Annual Amity Regatta
Due to demands made by the growing number of young sailors entering the contest, steel-plated hulls are not required this year.
However, racers will no longer be allowed to carry weapons, as the privilege has been abused in recent years. The regatta is scheduled for July 4.
Memorial Unveiled
The unveiling of the new memorial sponsored by the Shark Attack Awareness Coalition is scheduled to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the death of Alex Kintner.
The statue, located on Amity Town Beach, features a cast iron replica of the inflatable raft owned by Alex, which family members say symbolizes hope.
Population Trends
The latest census data shows that Amity has become something of a retirement hot spot for deep sea fishermen and shark hunters.
George Benson, a former commercial fisherman, moved to Amity from Key Largo, Fla., only two years ago. "I was tired of being the kooky old guy, you know? I just wanted to spend the last few years of my life in a community that understands me, a place where I could fit in."
Mr. Benson was drawn by Amity's growing reputation as a haven for folks obsessed with killing sharks. "Here, I can sit out on my porch and tell my shark stories, and no one is going to think me a nut because there's six other guys on my street doing the exact same thing," he said.
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