‘Beloved’ father identified as man killed by shark in New Caledonia as authorities catch beast
The Australian killed in a shark attack in New Caledonia was a “beloved” Sydney father, husband and triathlete who competed in world championship events.
Chris Davis was swimming about 150 metres from shore at a tourist beach in Noumea when he was attacked by a shark local authorities believe they captured earlier today.
The 59-year-old’s wife and three adult sons expressed their gratitude to those who treated him when he was pulled from the water onto the crowded beach as they paid homage to the athlete.
“Chris was a senior software programming consultant in the superannuation and funds management industry and a keen triathlete, having represented Australia several times in age group world championship events,” the family said in a statement.
They said his body had been returned to Australia.
”We thank the media and the public during this difficult time for respecting the privacy of the family,” they said.
A four-metre tiger shark was hooked in waters near where Davis was swimming when he was attacked on Sunday.
Authorities have shared a picture of the hulking shark on the deck of a boat and are continuing a cull in the area.
CCTV from the resort showed Davis being attacked before lifesavers rushed out into the water on jet skis.
The triathlete was rushed to shore with severe arm and leg injuries and lifesavers and bystanders tried to resuscitate him for 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived, but he died at the scene.
Public prosecutor Yves Dupas said the man suffered four major wounds on the thigh, hands and right arm, which corresponds to at least two shark bites.
“The bite on the major thigh, extending 37 centimetres from the hip to the knee, caused a deep lesion with the section of the femoral artery,” Dupas said.
Dupas said the second bite was “also fatal, according to the medical examiner, given the extent of the lesions, concerns the upper limbs, the forearm and the hands”.
Chateau Royal Beach and other nearby beaches have been closed indefinitely.
The beach had only reopened last Thursday after a similar attack three weeks ago in the same spot.
Local Bridgette Do, 49, is currently recovering in Sydney’s Westmead Hospital after she was bitten by a shark on her daily swim.
She lost one hand, four fingers from the other hand, and part of her leg.
Do’s father, Owen Drew, said it was a miracle she was alive after suffering “unbelievable wounds”.
“She is very lucky she had those people assist her on the beach,” he said.
