Five-ton shark runs aground

PURWOREJO, Central Java: A four-ton shark was found beached here yesterday giving a windfall to local fishermen who have complained of small catches in recent days.

The 6.7-meter-long shark with a diameter of 4.2 meters was found alive but unconscious on Keburuan beach, Antara reported.

A fisherman found the female shark and reported it to local government officials, villagers then butchered it.

Fishermen said the shark was about 20 years old. It was apparently beached by strong waves.

Fisheries official Armanto said that shark meat was edible, its bones could cure some diseases and its fins were a delicacy that could fetch several million rupiah. (pan)