Sad news out of New Caledonia over the weekend. Body of 52 year old was found the day after a solo sup paddle downwind run on the popular local 10km run from Noumea to Kuendu beach.
Bites marks in his knee area suggest a 4m tiger apparently.
Heavy news that brings New Caledonia officially to the number one ranked place for shark attack deaths thanks to a spate of attacks in the last couple of years.
Thoughts go out to the local foil and paddle community. Welcoming bunch of people I've had the privilege of paddling with many times over the years on the same run. Scary stuff.
That's horrific news and deepest sympathy for friends and family. A very scary reality check for those of us that have enjoyed the serenity of downwinders far off shore anywhere
For more info (in French):
la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/nouvellecaledonie/ce-que-l-on-sait-de-l-attaque-mortelle-d-un-requin-a-noumea-992902.html
Select to expand quotecolas said..
For more info (in French):
la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/nouvellecaledonie/ce-que-l-on-sait-de-l-attaque-mortelle-d-un-requin-a-noumea-992902.html
The part that I got translated by google sounds pretty worrying:
"...subject to better advice, that the practice of sup foiling could attract sharks by the vibrations produced in the water by the board which could function as a lure for the shark"
Yes, local experts say it is possible. Just like shark deterrents that work by emitting electromagnetic currents seem to attract some sharks that come to investigate the disturbance. The makers then claim that they then get uncomfortable enough at close range to not attack, but...
One more reason to Donaldson your trailing edges to suppress whistling!
PS: the victim was the vet of the local aquarium, so well aware of the local wildlife.
