SKNVibes.com News: Captured shark yields body parts of missing Charlestown man

By Donovan Matthews
SKNVibes

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The shark before it was cut open

Photos 1 of 4

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – RELATIVES of the Charlestown man who went missing during a family excursion at Indian Castle on Wednesday (Sept. 2) can now be satisfied that some closure has been brought to the case.

Searchers, coordinated by Nevis Disaster Management chief Lester Blackett, today (Sept. 4) located body parts, identified as those of Brian Mills, in the stomach of a 9’10” bull shark found floating in Indian Castle Bay.

Information gathered by SKNVibes indicates that the shark was spotted around 7:30 a.m. by Wincent Perkins as he looked down from Round Hill. Other searchers were immediately alerted and the shark, which had a large wound on the side of its head, was secured and brought ashore by Jonathan Dutil with the aid of a jet-ski.

The giant creature was transported to the pier at Long Point where, under the supervision of Dr. Chandy Jacobs, its abdomen was cut open just after 11:00 a.m. Among the contents of the stomach were the head and parts of a torso later identified as Mills’.

The remains were later transported to the morgue for further examination.

Mills went missing on Wednesday following a visit to the beach with his wife and two children. The Ramsbury resident, reportedly an excellent swimmer, apparently encountered some difficulties and disappeared.

The police were notified at that time and, along with the Coast Guard and members of the community, launched a search which continued yesterday and today.

Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Robelto Hector was among the persons allowed to access the Long Point pier where he offered words of comfort to Mills’ sister Mariella Archibald-Gaskin.

Well sa, isn't it pleasant how some can hope and believe and trust that the human will to survive will make them fight back? While I am talking about the bruises on the sharks face and others are seeing a gaping wound on the side of the sharks head (mind you which are two separate things) you [WELL SA] have the time to be labelling someone you know nothing of. I trust that it makes you a better person.

demoraliseducation (07-Sep-09 08:33 AM)

My dear cousin, I am so sorry you had to go so soon. My condolences to your whole family. You were so full of life and had such a positive outlook on everything. I may never know for sure how you left us, but one thing I do know is that you were a wonderful blessing sent from God to all of us whose lives you have touched.

Kammy (07-Sep-09 07:52 AM)

39 years ago when Christena sank schools of monstrous sharks were seen feeding in frenzy on the dead in the waters between St Kitts & Nevis. When a team was in the process of pulling a body out of the water a monster shark, bigger than this one, pulled the body away from the men and swam away with it. We do not know whether the shark killed Mr Mills or simply found or devoured the dead body; or two or more fought over him while he was still alive or after finding his body.

Sad Wonderer (06-Sep-09 08:22 AM)

Brian, my dear cousin, please rest in perfect peace. I am in shock still. No words in my mouth...Mariella, Calvin, Sharon, Mum, please accept my condolences. Life why??????? Brian, you are a good brother, cousin, friend...may your soul rest in perfect peace, till we meet to part no more.

Jason Inanga (06-Sep-09 02:54 AM)

My condolences to the family on the passing of their loved one. I highly doubt that Mr. Mill's death was a shark attack but rather he drowned and was eaten by the shark post-mortem. Even the most excellent swimmers will have problems with riptides if they do not know how to react to them. The gash is the shark's neck is most likely from another shark. I would imagine they were fighting over Mr. Mills' body. Indeed a tragic ending to life.

LeoTheLioness (05-Sep-09 07:42 PM)

So is this case gonna be treated as a recorded Shark Attack? Would this be the first shark attack case in this federation? Given the evidence, the shark most likely attacked and killed him (as he was a good swimmer, drowning seems unlikely). Bull Sharks are the most dangerous sharks in the world as a matter of fact. hence, would this be an official shark attack fatality?

Shark Attack (05-Sep-09 01:11 PM)

It may be hard to say at times but God is always in control. I pray for the wife and children of this tragic lost and please sister Sonia dont let this disturb your faith in God. May it draw familes and friends close to Him. He is the onlyone who can truly comfort and sustain you. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might

Listener of Radio Paradise (05-Sep-09 09:47 AM)

Run shark a come, you jus made the most sence in all this. After reading all these comments, i wonder what really killed the shark could a man cause the death of this shark.. No from lookin a sharks on TV even in not any expert this man could have not done this shark any damage. So we need to be carefull in our water.. we now have sharks that have tasted human meat. Another shark or large fish may have cause the death of this shark.

fedup (05-Sep-09 09:31 AM)

The circumstances are indeed tragic, but to imply that the gaping wound on the shark was inflicted by the deceased is a bit foolish , that huge wound is a bite and not a small bite either, a big bite from a something with a big mouth and very sharp teeth!

run shark a come (05-Sep-09 06:41 AM)

Brian died a hero. He saved his daughters. He was very well loved by His daughters. This is tragic,sad and shocking. My cousin and friend we will miss you and never forget you. He was a real man a real prime example of what a father should be to his children. My deepest sympathy goes out to Sonya, Kaona,Kalia, Mariella, and Family.

1genNevisionyank (05-Sep-09 12:00 AM)

It could happen to anyone but my heart goes out to the Mills Family. Nuff love n respect its hard to see u went on a family get together n tragedy stuck. Be strong he god will ssee you throught..........

Buff Queen (04-Sep-09 10:18 PM)

i dont believe it. and it is sad an sickening dat dey would go 2 such extremes. for wha reason i dont know. i wan proof. solid hard concrete evidence. my condolence to d mills

in disbelief (04-Sep-09 09:27 PM)

My heart goes out to the family. I pray that GOD will ease their pain soon. I grew up in that area. The water in that area is extremely treacherous, not only for the danger of sharks, but, on that particular beach, there is always a very strong Rip-Tide. I almost drowned there when I was about 12-years old.May GOD Wrapped His Mighty Arms Around the family at this time.

spatapang@gmail.com (04-Sep-09 06:41 PM)

DEMORALISEDUCATION....you is a jackass of the first class....where dem find you?....you is one chupit ole fool..well i never know people so chupit until now..you is a disgrace to common sense....

wel sa (04-Sep-09 05:32 PM)

This is quite a dramatic end to a person who was so full of life. Those of us who know brian will know that he would not have depart this life with out a fight. The stregth he possesed as a child, a teenager, a man, and a father was not just physical but mental. That shark must have had the roughest time of its life that resulted in the predator also becomig a prey. Rest in peace Brian you have passed this fighting world.

genher (04-Sep-09 04:44 PM)

I am thrilled to know that this discovery brings a sense of closure for the family, friends, & relatives of Brian Mills; and I am extremely proud that the Shark had bruises on its face to suggest that Brian fought back & did not give up. I wish that our people especially the men in the Federation would stand up against any creature or criminal [real/perceived, societal/political] that tries to rob us of our lives and integrity. Albeit he was at a disadvantage Brian tried & he died with digni

Demoraliseducation (04-Sep-09 04:07 PM)