Henri Bource was a Dutch-Australian scuba diver, underwater filmmaker, musician and shark attack survivor who lived and worked in Australia. He was best known for his documentary film Savage Shadows, in which he recreated the scene of a great white shark removing his left leg. He died on 4 September 1998 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. But what was the cause of his death and how did he live his life after the shark attack?
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The Shark Attack that Changed His Life
Henri Bource was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 25 March 1934. He emigrated to Australia as a teenager in 1954 and learned to use an aqualung with his father. He trained as a graphic artist and became interested in underwater photography and filmmaking. He also played saxophone and formed his own band, the Henri Bource Allstars.
In November 1964, when he was 29 years old, he was attacked by a 2.4 metre long great white shark off Lady Julia Percy Island in Australia. He was filming underwater scenes for a documentary about the Bass Strait oil rigs. The shark bit off his left leg below the knee and dragged him underwater. He managed to free himself and surface, where his friends helped him onto the boat. He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he underwent surgery and blood transfusions. He survived the attack, but lost his left leg.
He later said that he felt no pain during the attack, only a sensation of being pulled. He also said that he did not blame the shark for what happened, as it was only following its natural instincts. He said that he was lucky to be alive and that he wanted to continue diving and making films.
His Career as a Filmmaker and Musician
Henri Bource did not let the shark attack stop him from pursuing his passions. He continued to dive, wearing a modified diving fin on the stump of his left leg. He also made a documentary film about his experience, called Savage Shadows, which was released in 1969. In the film, he recreated the scene of the shark attack using a dummy leg and a real shark. He also interviewed other shark attack survivors and experts. The film was a success and was shown in cinemas and on television around the world.
He also continued to play music, performing with his band and other groups. He played saxophone, clarinet, flute and harmonica. He also composed and recorded music for his films and other projects. He was a versatile musician who could play jazz, rock, pop and classical music. He was admired by his peers and fans for his talent and courage.
His Death and Legacy
Henri Bource died on 4 September 1998 at the age of 64. He had been suffering from cancer for some time and had undergone chemotherapy. He died peacefully at his home in Melbourne, surrounded by his family and friends. He was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
He was remembered as a pioneer of underwater filmmaking, a shark attack survivor, a musician and a friend. He was also an inspiration to many people who faced challenges and difficulties in their lives. He showed that one can overcome adversity and achieve one’s dreams with determination and passion.
He was also a contributor to the scientific knowledge and conservation of sharks. He donated his shark-bitten leg to the Museum of Victoria, where it is still on display. He also supported the research and protection of sharks and their habitats. He said that he hoped that his film would help people understand and respect sharks, rather than fear and hate them.
Henri Bource was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He was a victim of a shark attack, but he was also a survivor and a hero. He was a filmmaker and a musician, but he was also a human and a friend. He was Henri Bource, and he will not be forgotten.
