A documentary filmmaker was bitten by a tiger shark off New Caledonia.
An unidentified woman was with a group searching for sperm whales Nov. 23, when the stopped about 1/2 mile off Ile Verte lagoon, nicknamed the emerald of the Bourail for it’s emerald colored waters.
Team members donned snorkel gear and were about 65 feet (20m) from their catamaran swimming towards a reef when they spotted a large tiger shark.
The 13-foot shark (4m) circled the group and then came from below and bit the female diver on her right thigh. She was able to fight the shark, which released its grip.
After being bitten, the woman and a friend were able to swim back to the boat, where she received first aid.
The group traveled back to the mainland and the woman was transferred to Noumea where she received treatment for three 3-inch-long lacerations.
She is expected to make a full recovery.
A 12-year-old was bitten by a shark off the island in January
The teen, who was only identified as Peter, was swimming with family members in Canala Bay Jan. 3.
An unknown species of shark grabbed Peter’s right leg causing significant damage. He was taken to the Medipole in Noumea for treatment of the deep cuts on his thigh and calf.
A fatal shark attack and a young boy were seriously injured off the island last year.
Boris Bouanaoue was searching for sea cucumbers May 29, 2019 with a few family members off the Belep Archipelagos.
Bouanaoue became separated in the 3-foot-deep (.9m) water from the group and was eventually found floating unconscious.
He was taken back to the boat and his cousin attempted CPR, but Bouanaoue expired.
Based on the injuries, the cousin believes the shark surprised Bouanaoue and grabbed his lower leg, causing injury from the knee to the ankle.
A 10-year-old was severely injured off the island the same year.
Anthony Guillon Larrouy was attacked by a shark while swimming in a restricted area off noumea.
A shark took the boys leg and genitals and tore a slit in his abdomen.
Witness identified a bull shark as the culprit, but tiger sharks were spotted in the area the day before the attack.
All locations are available on the 2020 Shark Attack Map.
