Following the shark attack that occurred this Sunday, January 29, 2023 on Château-Royal beach in Nouméa, the city of Nouméa issued a decree prohibiting swimming on all the city’s beaches. Îlot Maître and Île aux Canards are also affected by this ban.
Noémie Dutertre and Alix Madec • Posted on Jan 29, 2023 at 12:23 pm
The decree of the city of Noumea bans swimming on all the city’s beaches until further notice following the shark attack that occurred on Château-Royal beach this morning. Swimming is also prohibited on Maître Island and Ile aux Canards. The decree came into force this Sunday late morning and will remain in effect until further notice, according to the municipality’s press release.
The person injured this morning is a 49-year-old teacher who was grabbed by a bull shark about 3 to 4 meters away. She then swam alone at the level of the third buoy, about 100 meters from shore. It was the woman’s screams that alarmed the swimmers. A man on a paddle quickly rescued him. After the first elements, she was bitten on the hand and at the level of the thigh and leg. The shark continued its course in the bay and could be observed from the edge of the beach. The victim was quickly treated by the fire brigade and evacuated. Patrols are currently being carried out in the area.