There are more calls in New Caledonia to clarify the circumstances of last week's attack on a luxury yacht in a World Heritage area off Ouvea.
Photo: Creative Commons
First reports said despite their stay having been cleared with customary authorities, Australian tourists were assaulted, and the yacht they were on was damaged.
There have been no arrests and no charges have been laid.
The Loyalty Islands provincial government says it regrets the incident, saying those in the protected area have to have a minimum understanding of customary practices.
It condemned comments by the government of the southern province which described the attack as barbaric piracy.
The pro-independence Caledonian Union says any event that could put down the indigenous people is pushed up to the highest level to discredit their struggle.
Despite the incident, Australia has left its travel advisory unchanged, rating New Caledonia like New Zealand which means higher than France.