The summer of 1916 was a terrifying season for the coastal communities of New Jersey. Over the course of twelve days, a series of brutal shark attacks left four people dead and one seriously injured. These incidents, known collectively as the New Jersey Shark Attacks of 1916, not only set off a nationwide panic but would eventually serve as the inspiration for one of the most successful and iconic horror films in cinematic history – “Jaws.”
The first attack took place on July 1, 1916, in Beach Haven, a popular summer resort on Long Beach Island. Charles Vansant, a 25-year-old Philadelphia native, decided to take a late afternoon swim in the Atlantic. Witnesses reported that he began shouting shortly after entering the water. By the time rescuers reached him, it was too late. Vansant bled to death on the manager’s desk of the nearby Engleside Hotel, becoming the first victim of the elusive predator.
Five days later, on July 6, a similar incident unfolded in Spring Lake, about 45 miles north of Beach Haven. Charles Bruder, a 27-year-old Swiss bell captain at a local hotel, was attacked while swimming 130 yards from shore. His injuries were so severe that he succumbed to them shortly after being pulled from the water.
The attacks were alarming, yet many experts were reluctant to blame a shark, as attacks were considered rare in the region. Despite the speculation, most beachgoers and local authorities remained unfazed. The ocean, after all, was the lifeblood of their communities, crucial for tourism and local economies.
That attitude would change dramatically on July 12, when the shark, or perhaps another like it, struck in a most unlikely place: Matawan Creek, some 16 miles inland from the open ocean. The victim was an 11-year-old boy named Lester Stillwell. His shocking death was followed by another attack on a would-be rescuer, Stanley Fisher, who later died from his injuries. The creek’s brackish waters were a far cry from the open Atlantic, which only deepened the sense of fear and uncertainty.
An hour later, the shark bit 14-year-old Joseph Dunn just a half-mile downstream from the previous attack. Thankfully, Dunn survived and would later recount his harrowing encounter.
The spate of attacks triggered mass hysteria. Sharks were hunted and killed along the coast, bounties were offered, and seaside communities installed protective steel netting to guard swimmers. The press dubbed the presumed lone predator “the Jersey man-eater.”
Theories ran rampant about what type of shark was responsible. Eventually, based on the reported size and behaviors, scientists narrowed it down to either a Great White or a Bull shark, the latter known for its ability to survive in both salt and freshwater.
It wasn’t until over half a century later that the infamous Jersey Shore shark attacks would re-enter popular culture. Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel, “Jaws,” followed by Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film of the same name in 1975, reignited the terror. The plot was directly inspired by the 1916 attacks, centering on a rogue Great White shark terrorizing a seaside community, much like the events that had unfolded in New Jersey.
“Jaws” was more than a box-office hit; it was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on our collective psyche. The film’s ominous two-note motif became synonymous with impending danger, and the depiction of the monstrous shark solidified the animal as a symbol of fear and the unknown.
However, the impact was not entirely positive. The movie led to widespread misunderstandings about shark behavior and fostered an image of sharks as malevolent, man-eating monsters. These misperceptions have contributed to negative attitudes towards sharks, which can hinder conservation efforts.
Looking back, the 1916 New Jersey Shark Attacks serve as a reminder of the power and mystery of the ocean and its inhabitants. Despite the fear it instilled, the event also sparked curiosity and led to increased study of shark behavior, biology, and ecology.
In conclusion, while the events of 1916 were undoubtedly tragic, their lasting influence has been profound. As the catalyst for “Jaws,” these attacks helped to create a cultural icon and left a lasting impact on our relationship with the ocean and its apex predators. They reflect our enduring fascination with the sea and its mysteries, the thin line between fear and respect for nature, and our struggle to coexist with the creatures of the deep.