HISTORY This Week: The Shark Attacks That Made Us Fear the Water

Episode Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Shark Attacks That Made Us Fear the Water," hosted by Sally Helm, HISTORY This Week delves into a pivotal moment in early 20th-century America that forever altered public perception of sharks. Through expert interviews, historical accounts, and vivid storytelling, the episode uncovers how a series of shark attacks in 1916 transformed these marine creatures from misunderstood denizens of the deep to feared predators in the American consciousness.

Historical Context

The story begins six years prior to the main events, setting the stage with an incident that sparked initial suspicions about man-eating sharks. J.T. Dubois, the American Consul General to Singapore, becomes intrigued by reports of shark attacks following a maritime collision that left survivors declaring they were attacked by sharks. Despite prevailing expert opinions dismissing such claims as myths, Dubois persists in his investigation, gathering affidavits and even photographic evidence to support the existence of man-eating sharks.

The Beach Haven Tragedy

On July 1, 1916, at 6:30 PM ([06:30] MM:SS), tragedy strikes Beach Haven, New Jersey. Charles Van Zant, a 23-year-old stockbroker, decides to take a swim with his Chesapeake retriever despite warnings from fellow beachgoers. As Van Zant enjoys his swim, a dark fin ominously appears in the water, leading to a violent and fatal attack:

Sally Helm ([07:57] 07:57): "A man rushes into the water and tries to pull Van Zant towards the beach. But something pulls back."

Efforts to save Van Zant prove futile as he succumbs to his injuries, leaving the community in shock and uncertainty about the true nature of the attack.

Initial Skepticism and Speculation

In the aftermath, the community grapples with disbelief and speculation. Despite eyewitness accounts suggesting a shark was responsible, many dismiss the attacks as freak accidents caused by other marine life or even mechanical failures:

Sally Helm ([10:15] 10:15): "Or if it was a shark, that shark must have been going after the dog. Maybe it just bit Van Zant by accident."

Experts like Dr. Frederick Lucas of the American Museum of Natural History remain steadfast in their skepticism, arguing that unprovoked shark attacks are virtually non-existent:

Dr. Frederick Lucas ([17:51] 17:51): "Shark attacks, at least in temperate waters, has never been established."

Escalation in Matawan Creek

Just days later, on July 6, 1916, another brutal attack occurs in the unsuspecting town of Matawan Creek, a small inland community:

Sally Helm ([22:09] 22:09): "Then a fin, a flash of teeth, and Lester is gone."

Eleven-year-old Lester Stillwell is viciously attacked while swimming, followed by another attack on Stanley Fisher, a local tailor, who ultimately dies from his injuries. The community is thrust into fear, with widespread panic and a desperate hunt for the perpetrator:

Sally Helm ([24:37] 24:37): "Joseph Dunn will be the only survivor of these Matawan Creek attacks."

Media Frenzy and Public Fear

The relentless media coverage, including front-page stories in the New York Times and the Washington Post, amplifies public hysteria:

Sally Helm ([27:11] 27:11): "Three days after Matawan, the shark killing frenzy will make the front page of the Washington Post. America, it says, has declared war on sharks."

Communities across the nation respond with fear, implementing measures such as metal nets and armed patrols on beaches, driven by the belief that man-eating sharks are a genuine and present threat.

The Hunt for the Shark

Amidst the chaos, Michael Schleiser, a prominent taxidermist and lion tamer, takes it upon himself to capture the elusive predator. On July 14, 1916, Schleiser and his friend embark on a daring mission:

Sally Helm ([29:57] 29:57): "Schleiser thought the whole boat was going to tumble down and he and his buddy were going to be the next victims of this man eater."

After a tense encounter, Schleiser successfully captures what is presumed to be the killer shark. The subsequent examination reveals human remains in the creature's belly, compelling Dr. Frederick Lucas to reconsider his stance:

Sally Helm ([31:00] 31:00): "After all of this Matawan Creek Shark, Dr. Lucas does change his mind."

Scientific Debate and Changing Perspectives

With concrete evidence now in hand, the scientific community begins to reassess the risk posed by sharks. Dr. John Nichols, initially dismissive, acknowledges the reality of shark attacks:

Dr. John Nichols ([28:35] 28:35): "This was probably a single shark heading from south to north."

Despite acknowledging the attacks, Dr. Lucas maintains that such incidents are exceedingly rare:

Dr. Frederick Lucas ([34:07] 34:07): "There are an average of around six fatal shark attacks each year worldwide."

Legacy and Impact on Public Perception

The 1916 shark attacks left an indelible mark on American society, fostering an enduring fear of sharks that persists to this day. This fear was further cemented by cultural phenomena like Peter Benchley's Jaws and Steven Spielberg's iconic film adaptation, celebrating its 50th anniversary in the episode:

Sally Helm ([32:48] 32:48): "That book is Peter Benchley's Jaws, later adapted into a movie by Steven Spielberg."

The episode highlights the "Jaws effect", illustrating how media portrayals have exacerbated the public's fear, leading to detrimental impacts on shark populations due to overkill and habitat disruption.

Sally Helm ([33:12] 33:12): "Human beings to see sharks differently. That fear emerged in 1916 and has been passed on through the generations."

Conclusion

"The Shark Attacks That Made Us Fear the Water" offers a compelling exploration of how a series of tragic and rare events can reshape societal attitudes and environmental policies. By intertwining historical narratives with expert insights, HISTORY This Week provides a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between humans and sharks, emphasizing the importance of balanced perspectives in the face of fear and misinformation.

Notable Quotes

• Sally Helm ([07:57] 07:57): "A man rushes into the water and tries to pull Van Zant towards the beach. But something pulls back."

• Sally Helm ([10:15] 10:15): "Or if it was a shark, that shark must have been going after the dog. Maybe it just bit Van Zant by accident."

• Dr. Frederick Lucas ([17:51] 17:51): "Shark attacks, at least in temperate waters, has never been established."

• Sally Helm ([22:09] 22:09): "Then a fin, a flash of teeth, and Lester is gone."

• Sally Helm ([24:37] 24:37): "Joseph Dunn will be the only survivor of these Matawan Creek attacks."

• Sally Helm ([27:11] 27:11): "Three days after Matawan, the shark killing frenzy will make the front page of the Washington Post. America, it says, has declared war on sharks."

• Sally Helm ([29:57] 29:57): "Schleiser thought the whole boat was going to tumble down and he and his buddy were going to be the next victims of this man eater."

• Dr. Frederick Lucas ([34:07] 34:07): "There are an average of around six fatal shark attacks each year worldwide."

Expert Contributors

• Richard G. Furnicola: Author of 12 Days of Terror and a proud Jersey Shore resident.
• Dr. Gavin Naylor: Director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
• Dr. John Nichols: Curator of fish at the American Museum of Natural History.

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