A 55-year-old doctor has died in what authorities suspect was a shark attack while windsurfing at a popular beach.
The occupational hospital physician was enjoying the waves on a New Caledonia beach when the terrifying incident occurred.
His body was subsequently discovered floating in a nearby lagoon by sailors who were out on their vessels that afternoon.
The boaters retrieved the doctor from the water and made desperate attempts to resuscitate him on the beach, but paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after arriving at the scene, according to Nouvelle-Caledonie Prevention Requin (New Caledonia Shark Prevention).
The beach, located in the French overseas territory in the South Pacific, had been particularly crowded over the weekend.
More than a dozen police officers rushed to secure the scene, quickly closing the area to the public.
Meanwhile, specialist teams provided support to the victim's grief-stricken family members, who were also on the beach.
Authorities have indicated that the 55-year-old’s injuries were consistent with a shark attack, with significant wounds to his right forearm, right leg and left tibia.
A 55-year-old doctor has died in what authorities suspect was a shark attack while windsurfing at a popular beach
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His wingfoil board was also recovered, bearing clear bite marks, with a substantial chunk missing from the equipment, The Sun reports.
A post-mortem examination is currently being conducted to officially determine the cause of death.
Nouméa prosecutor Yves Dupas urged caution regarding the circumstances, stating: "We do not yet know how the attack unfolded. We are trying to determine the circumstances."
Authorities have also requested assistance from a shark specialist to identify which species was responsible for the fatal attack, as no direct witnesses to the incident have come forward.
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The beach, located in the French overseas territory in the South Pacific, had been particularly crowded over the weekend
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New Caledonia has developed a reputation as a shark hotspot, with multiple fatal incidents occurring in recent years.
In 2023, a 59-year-old Australian tourist was killed at the same location after a shark bit him repeatedly on his arms and legs, with the horrifying attack captured on CCTV footage.
The territory has recorded 24 shark attacks historically, according to tracking data.
Official travel guidance for the region specifically cautions visitors against entering the water at dawn, dusk or following heavy rainfall when visibility is poor and sharks are actively hunting.
The tropical waters surrounding New Caledonia are home to a range of shark species, including several regarded as potentially dangerous to humans
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Authorities also advise against undertaking water activities alone, as vigorous movements can attract predators.
The tropical waters surrounding New Caledonia are home to a range of shark species, including several regarded as potentially dangerous to humans.
Among the most fearsome is the tiger shark, a large and powerful predator responsible for a significant number of unprovoked bites worldwide.
Tiger sharks, known for their broad diet and inquisitive nature, patrol both deep and coastal waters around the archipelago.
The bull shark also inhabits the region and is widely considered one of the most dangerous shark species globally.
Stocky and highly adaptable, bull sharks are known to venture into shallow coastal waters, increasing the likelihood of encounters with swimmers and surfers.
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