Pacific / New Caledonia

New Caledonia beaches closed because of sharks

12:46 pm on 4 June 2019

Fears of more shark attacks have prompted the closure of several beaches on New Caledonia's west coast.

Photo: 123RF

The authorities have shut the beach near Kone and in Dumbea and briefly closed another in central Noumea after more shark sightings.

Ten days ago, a boy lost a leg in a shark attack in Noumea.

Last week, a fisherman was killed by a shark near a reef off the northern island of Belep.

After the shark attack in Noumea, some canoe clubs suspended their activities.

Reports suggested more sharks were being observed because they had been fed close to shore.

They also said there were more boats and people in the lagoon, and more waste was being thrown into the sea.