The torn three-quarter denim pants, belonging to missing Nukuni villager, Eliki Yaco Junior, matched the jaw of a shark.

This was revealed by the Head of School of Marine Studies at the University of the South Pacific, Professor Ciro Rico. He was requested to analyse the pants recovered from the Ono-i-Lau waters. Professor Rico had the opportunity to look at the pants on Thursday.

Mr Yaco, who was affectionately known as Tua, was reported missing on May 31, 2020. He had gone to transport a couple from Mana island back to Nukuni Village on Ono-i-Lau. The couple claimed that Tua was bitten by a shark, after they stopped for a swim.

The third search party on the morning of Monday, June 1, 2020, found Tua’s pants underwater, with the front side near the pocket of the pants torn.

Professor Rico said: “What does not make sense is that the mark of the shark jaw was only on one side of the pants and not the other.

“When sharks bite something, it will leave a distinctive, round half-moon shape, on both sides.”

He said: “Police will be travelling to Ono-i-Lau to find out…To read more subscribe to our e-edition.

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