In New Caledonia, a surfer apparently lost his life in a shark attack. The incident occurred at a popular beach of the French overseas territory in the South Pacific, which is known for its lagoons and reefs.
Attack near the coast
According to media reports, the man was attacked by a shark while surfing. Eyewitnesses immediately alerted rescue services. Despite being quickly pulled from the water, the surfer succumbed to his severe injuries.
Local authorities temporarily closed the affected stretch of beach and launched investigations. Experts are to determine which shark species may have been involved. Concrete details were not initially available.
Repeated incidents in the region
New Caledonia has recorded an increased number of shark attacks in recent years. Especially around the capital Nouméa, incidents have occurred repeatedly. In such cases, authorities usually respond with temporary swimming bans and increased monitoring.
Marine biologists point out that shark attacks are generally rare occurrences. Factors such as prey availability, environmental changes or human activities can, however, influence the behaviour of individual animals.
Safety measures and prevention
After the fatal incident, local authorities are discussing possible additional protective measures. These include enhanced patrols, warning systems and information campaigns for watersports participants.
Experts recommend following official guidance, avoiding known risk areas and, where possible, not entering the water alone or at dusk.
