Fatal Shark Attack Near Château Royal Beach, Nouméa, New Caledonia — February 2026

On 22 February 2026, a fatal shark attack occurred in the waters near Château Royal beach in Nouméa, New Caledonia. The victim, reported to be a male windsurfer, died as a result of the attack. No further details regarding the victim's age or the shark species involved were confirmed in available reporting.

Château Royal beach is located on the southern coast of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, within the lagoon system surrounding Nouméa. The lagoon, part of a UNESCO World Heritage–listed reef complex, is a common area for water sports and recreational activities. New Caledonia has recorded a number of shark attacks in its coastal waters in recent decades, and local authorities have implemented periodic beach closure and monitoring measures in response.

The incident was reported by local and regional media on 22–23 February 2026. No information on the specific shark species responsible, the precise circumstances of the attack, or official emergency response details was available from the sources covering the event.