A man died after a shark attack near Koumac, on New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre, on Thursday afternoon.
The father of two was spear fishing near the islet of Kendek while his family picnicked on a nearby beach. Witnesses reported he was bitten on the arm, according to Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas.
Emergency responders attempted to resuscitate the victim, but he was pronounced dead around 6:30 pm. Authorities are investigating the incident, including a post-mortem examination to determine the shark species involved.
The attack occurred on January 2, just hours after a similar fatal incident off South Australia’s west coast.
New Caledonia has a history of shark attacks, including three in early 2023 that killed an Australian tourist. A subsequent shark culling campaign, resulting in the death of 120 sharks, was later declared illegal by courts.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over shark-human interactions in the Pacific.