July 4 Celebrations Come to an End

AMITY- The beaches re-opened for the holiday after local fishermen caught a 16-foot shark believed to be responsible for two previous deaths.

With the tragic deaths of 16-year-old Wendy Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson this past week, the town has been on edge about a vicious predator in the waters.

The fishermen responsible for the capture of the shark wish to remain unnamed, but they will be receiving the $3,000 reward. Matt Hooper a marine biologist from the Woods Hold Oceanographic Institute was brought in to accurately identify the predator as a nurse shark.

"I am pleased to say we have caught a large predator,” said Mayor Bob Farley at an interview at the beach.

Amity was once again brought alive by tourists and locals flooding to the famed beaches. The atmosphere was peaceful as boat loads of families filed on to the island.

The beach was covered with families, yet there was no one swimming in the water. With encouragement from Mayor Farley a family of four ventured into the waters. Following shortly after everyone from kids to adults piled in.

While the turnout pleased Mayor Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody was still cautious about the waters.

Chief Brody announced in a press release that armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach. Hooper will be out on one of the boats along with coast guard and policemen. If there are any shark sightings the necessary precautions will be taken.

The boats and a circling helicopter kept a close watch on the waters as people swam around.

Everything seemed to be under control until a “fin” was spotted in the water. Panic ensued the lifeguards blew their whistles, and people were racing to get out of the water.

Young children and the elderly were trampled over as panicked vacationers piled back on to the safe beaches.

The gunmen in the boats quickly drove to the sighting, while Chief Brody tried to calm the panic.

It was discovered that the “fin” was a prank pulled off by two young boys swimming deep out in the waters.

The two young boys are Timmy Twamble and Johnny Faker of Worcester, Massachusetts. Police also reported that their parents made the fins and videotaped the prank. No charges have been filed yet.

Even with this discovery the damage was done. The July 4 celebrations quickly came to an end at Amity.