Published: Just now
full screen The man was swimming at a beach in New Caledonia’s capital Noumea when he was attacked. Archive image. Photo: Theo Rouby/AP/TT
A 59-year-old Australian tourist was killed by a shark near a popular beach in New Caledonia on Sunday.
The man was swimming near a pontoon around 150 meters from the beach in the capital Noumea when the shark attacked him. Authorities say he was bitten several times.
Two people sailing their boat nearby quickly brought the man to shore, where rescuers tried to save him. The man had large wounds on his leg and both arms, according to local prosecutor Yves Dupas. He died at the scene.
Many people were in the water and witnessed the incident.
Noumea Mayor Sonia Lagarde ordered most beaches in the area to be closed.