| Date of attack: | February 19th 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Château Royal Beach, Noumea, South Province |
| Shark species: | Bull shark |
| Name of victim: | Chris Davis |
| Age of victim: | 59 years old |
| Sex of victim: | M |
| Activity: | Swimming |
| Injury: | FATAL, Multiple injuries |
Australian Tourist Killed in Shark Attack in New Caledonia
On February 19, 2023, 59-year-old Chris Davis, an Australian triathlete and software consultant, was fatally attacked by a shark while swimming at Château-Royal Beach in Noumea, New Caledonia. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m., approximately 150 meters from shore.
Davis was swimming near a pontoon close to a viewing platform where food was regularly thrown into the water to attract fish, which may have drawn sharks to the area. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as beachgoers rushed out of the water. Lifesavers responded quickly on jet skis and performed CPR for 40 minutes, but he did not survive.
Authorities later captured a nearly 10-foot bull shark that contained human remains matching Davis’ description. Investigators believe more than one shark may have been involved.
Map showing shark attack location and nearby incidents
Nearby shark attacks
- Chateau Royal Beach, Noumea, South Province | 29 Jan--2023
- Plateau de Ricaudy, Nouméa, South Province | 10-Jun-20
- Ricaudy Reef, Noumea, South Province | 22-Feb-2016
- Plage l'Anse-Vata, South Province | Jan-1998
- C, | 02-Jun-2016
- , Baie de Sainte-Marie | 18-Mar-2014
- L'llot Maetre, | Dec-1996
- Îlot Maître, | 28-Feb-21
- Nouville, | 24-Apr-21
- CHS Beach, Nouville | 25-May-21
- Sarcelle, Isle of Pines | Jul-1982
- Mont Dore, South Province | 13-May-2000
- Amedee Island, Southen Province | Jan-1985
- I'le Ouen, | Dec-1986
- Yate, South Province | 19-Feb-2016
- Kouare, | 09-May-2015
- Ile Moro, | Aug-1993
- Bourail, West coast | 06-Mar-2009
- Poe Beach, Grand Terre | 09-Apr-2016
- Cap Goulvain, | Feb-1994
- Bay of Luengoni, Lifou Island, Loyalty Islands | 30-Sep-2007
- Lifou, Loyalty Islands | 03-Mar-2002
- We, Lifou | Mar-1983
- Mar, Loyalty Islands | 24-Nov-2005-
- Poindimi, | 26-Apr-2008
