An Australian tourist has died after being attacked by a shark whilst swimming of the coast of New Calendonia in in the French Pacific Territory. The man was reportedly swimming 150 metres off the coast near the Chateau-Royal beach in the capital of Noumea when the shark attacked.
ABC News reports lifeguards at the beach were allerted to the attack after hearing cries from people in the water who promptly evacuated the beach.
Following their rescue, the swimmer was rushed to the shore by two people aboard a nearby sailing boat.
The vitim was helped by several civilians on the beach. Paramedic Dr Vincent Ouradou told local broadcaster La 1ère the 59-year-old had been bitten at least three times on his arms and legs.
Despite resuscitation efforts, the man died at the scene.
Drones were later deployed to try and locate sharks in Noumea’s waters.
