SHARK VICTIM TRIBUTE
PADDLE OUT & MEMORIES
A GOLD Coast friend of shark attack victim Nick Slater says a paddle-out tribute was a touching farewell – and he sees memories of their mateship everywhere he goes.
Laurie Minto watched from shore during a poignant Saturday paddle-out in Burleigh, held on the same day as one in Newcastle where Mr Slater’s parents live.
His ashes were scattered at the New South Wales beach during the paddle-out, which attracted 100 people.
“I’m in Miami and everywhere I go it’s like, ‘I did this with Nick, I went here with Nick’,” Mr Minto recalled of his friend, who was killed by a great white at Greenmount seven weeks ago.
“I got a beach cruiser bike that I actually bought off Nick and we used to ride the path around Burleigh. And now when I do that it just brings back instant memories of those simple pleasures that we were doing together around the Coast here.
“To remember him through a paddle-out and being in the ocean is a true memory reflective of Nick and what he loved, and what he was passionate about in life, which, was amongst other things, surfing and friendships.”
Mr Minto brought down one of Mr Slater’s boards, printed out some photos, and had flowers, which were later scattered in the ocean during the small gathering.
He said the past month had been challenging.
His twin brother and fellow long-time friend Sean Minto said about 50 people paddled out into the ocean at Dixon Park Beach at Newcastle, while another 50 remained on the shore during the “sombre” farewell.
“There was camaraderie around the people who were there, lots of people from different walks off life,” he said.
“Not everyone knew each other but there was a bond, and … one of the guys said some words, (there was) lots of yahooing and splashing and celebrating Nick’s life.”
Mr Minto said Mr Slater’s ashes were scattered with those of his sister who died years ago: “Obviously his parents have been dealt a very harsh blow.
“No parent should have to bury their children,” Mr Minto said.
Mr Slater, 46, who lived in Miami, was attacked by a shark at Greenmount Beach just after 5pm on September 8. He died within minutes, despite the frantic efforts of surfers, lifesavers and paramedics. He had suffered a bite stretching from his hip to his knee. The fatality was the first on a Gold Coast beach since 1958.