Surfers honour Steve Irwin

HUNDREDS of surfers formed a circle in the waves off Australia’s eastern coast and cast of wild flowers into the Pacific Ocean yesterday to honour Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

It was reported by Australian media that a family service for Irwin, who was killed a week ago when a stingray barb pierced his chest as he filmed a TV show, was held on Saturday on his wildlife park.

But Irwin’s manager John Stainton said the reports were conjecture and the family would make a statement. Brisbane’s The Sunday Mail reported a private ceremony took place on Saturday; the Nine and Seven television networks showed footage of an empty marquee and chairs they reported were used in the ceremony.