Surfer sues state for shark tooth that bit off his leg
It took six years for Australian surfer Chris Blowes to get what he believed was rightfully his own from the state. The guy won the court and, according to his decision, received the tooth of a shark that once bit off his leg. Chris thought that if he had almost died and lost a limb, then he should have this terrible souvenir.
The incident that nearly cost Chris Bloose his life occurred on the south coast of Australia in 2015. The 26-year-old surfer was enjoying the waves as usual when he was attacked by a 5.5‑metre white shark. She bit into Chris ' board, severed his leg, and inflicted several other serious injuries.
Fortunately, the guy was noticed in time and transported to the shore, from where he was taken to the hospital in a critical condition. Bloch's heart stopped, but the doctors managed to start it, after which the victim fell into a ten-day coma. The wreckage of Chris ' board washed up on the beach and a shark's tooth was found deep in one of them.
In any other country, a victim of a predator attack would simply take the unusual trophy for himself, but not in Australia. According to local laws, it is strictly forbidden to own, donate, or sell any animal parts. Violators face a fine of up to 100 thousand Australian dollars (5.8 million rubles) or a prison term of up to two years. Therefore, the white shark's tooth was seized by the authorities and handed over to zoologists.
The surfer was not only not given the tooth, but not even allowed to look at it! Chris was not satisfied with this outcome of the case and, as soon as he was released from the hospital, he filed a lawsuit. The trial lasted six years, after which the surfer who lost his leg was allowed to own a shark tooth.
Journalists found out that Blous was able to win the case thanks to the intervention of the deputy, who vouched for the guy. In the history of Australia, there has never been a case where someone has been able to sue the authorities for a part of a living organism that is under the protection of the law.
Now the 32-year-old surfer keeps the tooth in a specially made box for this purpose and demonstrates it at motivational trainings, which he began to lead after getting injured. By the way, Chris did not give up surfing and continues to deftly cut the waves on the prosthesis.
Keywords: Surfing | Animals | Ocean | Prosthetic | Sharks | Teeth | Leg | Australia and new zealand