Nouméa, January 3, (V7N) - A tragic shark attack claimed the life of a 40-year-old man in New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory. The incident occurred Thursday while the man was fishing near Kendek Island with his family.

The attack resulted in a severe arm injury, leaving the victim unconscious. Despite being transported to a hospital on Grande Terre, New Caledonia's main island, his relatives were met with a troubling obstacle: the emergency department had been closed since January 1 due to staffing shortages.

Efforts to save the man included dispatching a medical team from southern New Caledonia. Unfortunately, despite their attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The species of shark involved in the attack has not been identified. The French Pacific territory has seen an increase in shark attacks in recent years, leading the capital, Nouméa, to launch several "preventative" shark hunting campaigns in 2023. These efforts aimed to reduce shark presence near popular beaches and improve safety.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing shark-human interactions in the region. It also underscores critical healthcare issues, including the impact of staffing shortages on emergency services.

Local authorities are expected to reassess both shark management strategies and emergency medical response capabilities to address these pressing concerns.

END/WD/RH/