Sydney dad Chris Davis killed by shark in New Caledonia a star triathlete
An Australian man fatally attacked by a shark while holidaying in New Caledonia has been identified as a Sydney father-of-three and star triathlete.
NSW
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An Australian man fatally attacked by a shark while holidaying in New Caledonia has been identified as a Sydney father-of-three and star triathlete.
Chris Davis, 59, was swimming near a pontoon off Chateau-Royal Beach, south of Noumea, when he was bitten multiple times about 4.10pm on Sunday, February 19.
It comes as local authorities believe they have caught the shark responsible on Wednesday, sharing dramatic photos of a 4m tiger shark hooked near the spot where Davis was mauled.
The Sydney dad suffered serious bite wounds to one leg and both arms in the attack, which was captured on CCTV at a nearby resort, and was rushed to shore by lifeguards on jet skis.
Bystanders attempted CPR until paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.
On Wednesday, a statement from Mr Davis’ wife and his three adult sons mourned his passing and confirmed his body had been returned to Australia.
“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,” they said.
“He is survived by his wife and three adult sons, who express their sincere gratitude to the New Caledonian authorities for the efforts in treating him and to the Australian and New Caledonian governments for aiding his return to Australia.”
A cull of sharks in the area is underway, and Chateau Royal Beach and other swimming spots nearby remain closed indefinitely.
It is the second mauling in the area in three weeks, with local woman Bridgette Do now recovering at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital after losing a hand, four fingers on her other hand and part of her leg when she was bitten on her daily swim.
New Caledonian authorities are investigating the attack on Mr Davis, with public prosecutor Yves Dupas sharing that Mr Davis suffered four major wounds on his thigh, hands and right arm.
“The bite on the major thigh, extending 37cm from the hip to the knee, caused a deep lesion with the section of the femoral artery,” Mr Dupas said.
Mr Dupas said the investigation’s medical examiner believed a second bite to Mr Davis’ upper limbs was “also fatal … given the extent of the lesions”.
Off duty paramedic Amael Gicquel, who witnessed the attack, had told Channel 9 he saw the man’s horrific injuries, which included one arm being severed and losing his hand on his other arm.
“I saw the victim, he was bitten on the legs, one arm was gone, on the other arm the hand was gone — it was very bad,” he said.
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