5-19-2012 DB's Dailies: Buster&SC, Irma@KK, Duke&UU@RI, Kermit@NIM, Noa@Maili Pt, Kerby,761,BG&Benny@KP, T15M, Rocky@Kauai

Everything else in today's news pales in comparison to the word that came down at 1144 from David Schofield. He advised that Sharkbite (T15M) was put down today, due to complications abdominal surgery to remove his Ulua hook. More detailed info will follow, but today is a sad, sad day.

Anyone who had the opportunity to meet the ol' dude couldn't help but be affected by such a remarkable guy. Having survived 2 Tiger Shark attacks, other fish hooks, and a long life that took him from Laysan to Molokai and Oahu. He has been documented as far as Niihau ,multiple times.

For those among you who are not familiar with T15M, he was first seen as a sub-adult (3-4 yrs.old) in 1987, on Laysan (making him 28-29 yrs old today). At that sighting he had a fresh right fore flipper wound, taking most of the flipper. He was part of the 1994 translocation of males to the main Hawaii Islands, being taken to Molokai. He was first seen on Oahu later that year (9-23-94). He would not be reported again until 1-17-04, at Ka'ena Point. On 5-13-04 he was seen with a his fresh Tiger Shark wound to his right side, which healed to the scar most are familiar with .

I learned so much from him over the years, not the least of which was learning just how much an animal could survive and continue the adventure. I respected that guy beyond all others. I will think of him everyday.

At 0705 I found Buster (RV08) doing 8 minute dives at Spitting Cave. Posse member Kathy reported that he had not been there at 1000 when she arrived.

At 0749 I found Irma (R010), for day #3 of her Irma's Grotto stay, on the Kokee Flates. Posse member Gayle checked in at 1721 to advise that Irma was foraging at Spitting Cave, doing 11 minute dives.

At 1017 I found Duke (RA12), along with another , like sized animal , partially visible behind the water front rocks of Seal Rock Inlet, on Rabbit Island. Duke would move up, allowing the ID, but the other animal (my guess is Kolohe, but ??) never gave me anything. Both were washed off the rocks at 1203, and I did not se them again today.

Team Billand checked in at 0837 to report Kermit (R012) fronting #1701 at Nimitz Cottages.

At 1327 they reported Noa (R6FI), at Maili Point.

Team Billand were out late with Kermit. Check da' blog in the morning for their shots.

Missus Whisperer, Marilyn, did the Ka'ena Point trek today , and found Kerby (RW08) and 761 together, and BG (R303), and Benny (RE74) at separate locations.

Tracy called dat 1755 to brighten a dark day. She advised that Rocky (RH58) was seen at Larsen's Beach on Kauai 2 days ago,but nobody called. SHE PUPPED THIS MORNING !!!!!

 Irma @ Kokee Flats

 Buster @ Spitting Cave 

 761 and Kerby @ Ka'ena Point 

 761 with her noticable scar 

 BG (Benny's Girl)

 She's got a pup in there..... wonder who the daddy is?

 Speaking of ... here's Benny

 Kerby

 Kerby laying low!