The French President Emmanuel Macron is slated to undertake a landmark tour to French regions and independent countries in the Pacific region in order to strengthen ties. The leader will be on a five-day visit starting Monday.

France President Macron on 5-day visit to New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea | World News | WION

A 59-year-old Australian tourist was killed by a shark on Sunday (February 19) near a beach in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. At the time of his death, the man was swimming close to a pontoon and was 150 metres away from the shore when the shark attacked, said the authorities. The incident took place in the capital Noumea.

Two people who were sailing their boat nearby rushed to help him and brought him back to the beach where emergency services tried to save him. The shark had bitten the man resulting in major bite wounds on his leg and both arms.

He died at the scene despite receiving a cardiac massage.

Many people were in the water at the time and witnessed the incident at the Chateau-Royal beach just south of Noumea. 
There was a panicked rush back onto the beach and police evacuated the area.

Noumea's mayor, Sonia Lagarde, ordered the closure of most beaches in the area and the capture of tiger sharks and bull sharks in nearby waters.

Drones were deployed to track them and two were sighted before operations were suspended at nightfall, police said.

A 49-year-old swimmer was seriously injured by a shark last month, also near the Chateau-Royal beach.

A surfer was also attacked by a shark a few days later but escaped without injury.

New Caledonia lies south of Vanuatu and 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) east of Australia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 59-year-old Australian tourist was killed by a shark on Sunday (February 19) near a beach in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. At the time of his death, the man was swimming close to a pontoon and was 150 metres away from the shore when the shark attacked, said the authorities.

A 59-year-old Australian tourist was killed by a shark on Sunday (February 19) near a beach in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. At the time of his death, the man was swimming close to a pontoon and was 150 metres away from the shore when the shark attacked, said the authorities. The incident took place in the capital Noumea. Two people who were sailing their boat nearby rushed to help him and brought him back to the beach where emergency services tried to save him. The shark had bitten the man resulting in major bite wounds on his leg and both arms. He died at the scene despite receiving a cardiac massage. Many people were in the water at the time and witnessed the incident at the Chateau-Royal beach just south of Noumea. There was a panicked rush back onto the beach and police evacuated the area. Noumea's mayor, Sonia Lagarde, ordered the closure of most beaches in the area and the capture of tiger sharks and bull sharks in nearby waters. Drones were deployed to track them and two were sighted before operations were suspended at nightfall, police said. A 49-year-old swimmer was seriously injured by a shark last month, also near the Chateau-Royal beach. A surfer was also attacked by a shark a few days later but escaped without injury. New Caledonia lies south of Vanuatu and 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) east of Australia. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australian man loses life in shark attack in New Caledonia

French President Emmanuel Macron hails the referendum result as New Caledonia votes to stay with France. Over 96% of voters reject independence.

New Caledonia votes to stay with France, with over 96% of voters rejecting independence

As citizens in Caledonia voted to stay with France, President Macron declared that "France is more beautiful because New Caledonia has decided to stay part of it".

In the third referendum on Sunday, citizens voted overwhelmingly to remain with France with over 96 per cent against independence.

Macron hailed the result declaring that, "A period of transition is beginning. Free from the binary choice of 'Yes' or 'No', we must now build a common project, while recognising and respecting the dignity of everyone."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-free-new-caledonia-record-first-cases-of-coronavirus-368639">Also Read:&nbsp;Covid-free New Caledonia record first cases of coronavirus</a>

The pro-independence groups boycotted the referendum as they asserted that the pandemic would rule out a fair ballot.

The country with a population of just 270,000 produces nickel and is considered a territory of strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Caledonia had decided not to break away from France in the votes held twice earlier. The country had witnessed violence decades ago among people who wanted to stay with France and those who wanted to break away.&nbsp;

According to the United Nations, the country's population comprises 41 per cent Melanesian and 24 per cent of European origin.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

As citizens in Caledonia voted to stay with France, President Macron declared that "France is more beautiful because New Caledonia has decided to stay part of it".

As citizens in Caledonia voted to stay with France, President Macron declared that "France is more beautiful because New Caledonia has decided to stay part of it". In the third referendum on Sunday, citizens voted overwhelmingly to remain with France with over 96 per cent against independence. Macron hailed the result declaring that, "A period of transition is beginning. Free from the binary choice of 'Yes' or 'No', we must now build a common project, while recognising and respecting the dignity of everyone." Also Read: Covid-free New Caledonia record first cases of coronavirus The pro-independence groups boycotted the referendum as they asserted that the pandemic would rule out a fair ballot. The country with a population of just 270,000 produces nickel and is considered a territory of strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. Caledonia had decided not to break away from France in the votes held twice earlier. The country had witnessed violence decades ago among people who wanted to stay with France and those who wanted to break away. According to the United Nations, the country's population comprises 41 per cent Melanesian and 24 per cent of European origin. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Free from binary choice': New Caledonia votes to stay with France

The small South Pacific territory of New Caledonia is over 16,000 kilometers away from France. It has now rejected independence in its third and final referendum.

Emmanuel Macron: France is more beautiful with Caledonia in it

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus.

The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday.

The outbreak on the French archipelago was detected after a school headteacher fell ill on the Wallis and Futuna islands -- another French territory in the Pacific -- leading authorities to screen for cases.

According to multiple reports, the patient developed symptoms in mid-February and could have been infectious in Wallis and Futuna from the end of January.

Travel between the two French territories had previously been unrestricted, while anyone arriving from elsewhere had to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine in a hotel.

The administration announced a two-week lockdown for New Caledonia starting from Monday evening, to "break the transmission of the virus while there is still time".

The islands had previously succeeded in stopping community transmission of the novel coronavirus, which has reached almost all corners of the globe.

New Caledonia, which lies off the northwest coast of Australia, was once used as a penal colony by French authorities owing to its remote location.

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus. The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday.

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus. The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday. The outbreak on the French archipelago was detected after a school headteacher fell ill on the Wallis and Futuna islands -- another French territory in the Pacific -- leading authorities to screen for cases. According to multiple reports, the patient developed symptoms in mid-February and could have been infectious in Wallis and Futuna from the end of January. Travel between the two French territories had previously been unrestricted, while anyone arriving from elsewhere had to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine in a hotel. The administration announced a two-week lockdown for New Caledonia starting from Monday evening, to "break the transmission of the virus while there is still time". The islands had previously succeeded in stopping community transmission of the novel coronavirus, which has reached almost all corners of the globe. New Caledonia, which lies off the northwest coast of Australia, was once used as a penal colony by French authorities owing to its remote location.

Covid-free New Caledonia record first cases of coronavirus

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning and emergency evacuations across a swathe of the South Pacific, but there were no reports of serious damage or injuries.

The quake struck at just after midnight on Thursday local time (1320 GMT) about 415 kilometres east of Vao in New Caledonia at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to USGS.

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours," the NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific.

(With inputs from agencies)

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning and emergency evacuations across a swathe of the South Pacific, but there were no reports of serious damage or injuries.

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck near New Caledonia on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning and emergency evacuations across a swathe of the South Pacific, but there were no reports of serious damage or injuries. The quake struck at just after midnight on Thursday local time (1320 GMT) about 415 kilometres east of Vao in New Caledonia at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to USGS. "Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours," the NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific. (With inputs from agencies)

7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off coasts of Vanuatu, New Caledonia: USGS

People in the southern Pacific French territory of New Caledonia have once more voted to stay with France, narrowly rejecting independence in a tightly-fought referendum.

The 'no' camp emerges victorious: New Caledonia remains with France

People in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia have narrowly rejected independence from France in a referendum. Watch the report to know more.

New Caledonia rejects referendum from France for the second time

Voters in New Caledonia in the French South Pacific territory are all set to cast their ballots on whether to break away from France & form an independence state after almost 170 years.

New Caledonia set for 2nd referendum on Independence

Tsunami warnings were issued after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday.

The tremor hit at about 3.18 pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometres southeast of Loyalty Islands off New Caledonia's east coast, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Tsunami warnings have been issued for New Caledonia and Vanuatu for waves from 1-3m and Fiji for waves up to 1m, as well as waves smaller than 0.3m for outlying areas.

Several aftershocks above magnitude-5.6 were recorded.

Tsunami warnings were issued after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday. The tremor hit at about 3.

Tsunami warnings were issued after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday. The tremor hit at about 3.18 pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometres southeast of Loyalty Islands off New Caledonia's east coast, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tsunami warnings have been issued for New Caledonia and Vanuatu for waves from 1-3m and Fiji for waves up to 1m, as well as waves smaller than 0.3m for outlying areas. Several aftershocks above magnitude-5.6 were recorded.

Tsunami warnings issued after earthquake off New Caledonia

The French Pacific islands of New Caledonia began voting Sunday on whether to become an independent nation, in a closely-watched test of support for France in one of its many territories scattered around the globe.&nbsp;

Some 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) from the French mainland, New Caledonia is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a strategic foothold for France in the Pacific.

Voting in New Caledonia's 284 polling stations opened at 8;00 am local time on Sunday (2100 GMT Saturday) and was to end at 6:00 pm, with results expected Sunday evening.

Some 175,000 people are eligible to vote in the remote islands fringed by spectacular beaches, with opinion polls predicting a large majority in favour of staying French.

But there are fears the referendum could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour independence, and the white population, which boiled over into deadly violence in the 1980s.

The quasi-civil war claimed more than 70 lives. It led to the 1998 Noumea Accord which paved the way for the steady devolution of powers as well as Sunday's referendum.&nbsp;

On Friday, separatist activists drove along Noumea's waterfront in a convoy of around 20 cars, waving the Kanak flag to cries of "Kanaky" -- their name for New Caledonia.

Separatists have urged Kanak voters to choose self-determination, throwing off the shackles of "colonial" authorities in Paris.

But indigenous people make up less than 50 percent of the electorate and some Kanaks back staying part of France, not least due to the 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) the French state hands to the islands every year.

Going it alone, "I'm not sure we have all the assets we'd need to succeed," said Marc Gnipate, a 62-year-old pensioner.

Polls suggest 63 to 75 percent of voters will opt against breaking away from France, which claimed the islands in 1853 and once used them as a penal colony.

Under the 1998 deal, in the event of a "no" vote two further referendums on independence can still be held before 2022.

Balancing China in the Pacific?&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to give a televised address after the results at 1200 GMT (11.00 pm Noumea time) on Sunday.&nbsp;

He has largely stayed clear of the campaign, but declared during a visit to Noumea in May that "France would be less beautiful without New Caledonia".

Macron also raised concerns over increasing Chinese influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has invested heavily in Vanuatu, a territory which broke from France and Britain in 1980.

Accusing the US of "turning its back on the region in recent months", Macron said China was "building its hegemony step by step" in the Pacific -- suggesting an independent New Caledonia could provide Beijing's next foothold.

Australia has also expressed concerns about China's activities in neighbouring island states -- which the Lowy Institute think-tank estimates received US $1.78 billion in aid from Beijing from 2006-16 -- boosting its own spending in response.

While Australia officially remains neutral on New Caledonia's independence vote, Canberra's former consul-general in Noumea Denise Fisher said it appreciated the stability France's Pacific presence offered in the face of China's rise.

"It's been fortunate for Australia to have a well-resourced Western ally such as France engaged in the region, particularly at a time when there's a lot of geo-strategic change and new players like China coming into the region," she told the ABC.

"There are a few uncertainties arising now."

Home to 269,000 people, New Caledonia is one of a handful of French island outposts -- a legacy of the country's 19th-century empire -- which retain strategic importance.

The referendum will be a test of the appeal of remaining part of France for such far-flung territories, which are heavily dependent on state handouts but where many feel overlooked by Paris.

Both French Guiana in South America and the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte have been rocked since last year by major protests over living standards and perceived neglect.

In New Caledonia, there are fears that the vote could expose tensions over stark inequalities which persist despite government efforts to redress the economic balance in favour of Kanaks.&nbsp;

"In Noumea people earn a salary, but in the tribes no one earns a salary or any kind of monetary income," said veteran Kanak activist Elie Poigoune.

The Kanak community is plagued by high school dropout rates, chronic unemployment and poor housing conditions.

Gangs of delinquent youths have become increasingly common on the streets and both sides fear violence among them if the "no" vote prevails.

The French Pacific islands of New Caledonia began voting Sunday on whether to become an independent nation, in a closely-watched test of support for France in one of its many territories scattered around the globe.

The French Pacific islands of New Caledonia began voting Sunday on whether to become an independent nation, in a closely-watched test of support for France in one of its many territories scattered around the globe. Some 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) from the French mainland, New Caledonia is home to a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a strategic foothold for France in the Pacific. Voting in New Caledonia's 284 polling stations opened at 8;00 am local time on Sunday (2100 GMT Saturday) and was to end at 6:00 pm, with results expected Sunday evening. Some 175,000 people are eligible to vote in the remote islands fringed by spectacular beaches, with opinion polls predicting a large majority in favour of staying French. But there are fears the referendum could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour independence, and the white population, which boiled over into deadly violence in the 1980s. The quasi-civil war claimed more than 70 lives. It led to the 1998 Noumea Accord which paved the way for the steady devolution of powers as well as Sunday's referendum. On Friday, separatist activists drove along Noumea's waterfront in a convoy of around 20 cars, waving the Kanak flag to cries of "Kanaky" -- their name for New Caledonia. Separatists have urged Kanak voters to choose self-determination, throwing off the shackles of "colonial" authorities in Paris. But indigenous people make up less than 50 percent of the electorate and some Kanaks back staying part of France, not least due to the 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) the French state hands to the islands every year. Going it alone, "I'm not sure we have all the assets we'd need to succeed," said Marc Gnipate, a 62-year-old pensioner. Polls suggest 63 to 75 percent of voters will opt against breaking away from France, which claimed the islands in 1853 and once used them as a penal colony. Under the 1998 deal, in the event of a "no" vote two further referendums on independence can still be held before 2022. Balancing China in the Pacific? French President Emmanuel Macron is set to give a televised address after the results at 1200 GMT (11.00 pm Noumea time) on Sunday. He has largely stayed clear of the campaign, but declared during a visit to Noumea in May that "France would be less beautiful without New Caledonia". Macron also raised concerns over increasing Chinese influence in the Pacific, where Beijing has invested heavily in Vanuatu, a territory which broke from France and Britain in 1980. Accusing the US of "turning its back on the region in recent months", Macron said China was "building its hegemony step by step" in the Pacific -- suggesting an independent New Caledonia could provide Beijing's next foothold. Australia has also expressed concerns about China's activities in neighbouring island states -- which the Lowy Institute think-tank estimates received US $1.78 billion in aid from Beijing from 2006-16 -- boosting its own spending in response. While Australia officially remains neutral on New Caledonia's independence vote, Canberra's former consul-general in Noumea Denise Fisher said it appreciated the stability France's Pacific presence offered in the face of China's rise. "It's been fortunate for Australia to have a well-resourced Western ally such as France engaged in the region, particularly at a time when there's a lot of geo-strategic change and new players like China coming into the region," she told the ABC. "There are a few uncertainties arising now." Home to 269,000 people, New Caledonia is one of a handful of French island outposts -- a legacy of the country's 19th-century empire -- which retain strategic importance. The referendum will be a test of the appeal of remaining part of France for such far-flung territories, which are heavily dependent on state handouts but where many feel overlooked by Paris. Both French Guiana in South America and the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte have been rocked since last year by major protests over living standards and perceived neglect. In New Caledonia, there are fears that the vote could expose tensions over stark inequalities which persist despite government efforts to redress the economic balance in favour of Kanaks. "In Noumea people earn a salary, but in the tribes no one earns a salary or any kind of monetary income," said veteran Kanak activist Elie Poigoune. The Kanak community is plagued by high school dropout rates, chronic unemployment and poor housing conditions. Gangs of delinquent youths have become increasingly common on the streets and both sides fear violence among them if the "no" vote prevails.

New Caledonia votes on independence from France

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of New Caledonia on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The US Geological Survey said the shallow tremor hit approximately 82 kilometres to the east of the lightly populated Loyalty Islands at around 10:45 am (2245 GMT).&nbsp;

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert saying that tsunami waves could affect areas within 300 kilometres (180 miles), which would include Vanuatu and New Caledonia, whose capital Noumea sits some 250 kilometres east of the epicentre.

Nervous residents reported feeling several tremors throughout the night before the quake hit.

&quot;Parked cars were shaking and everyone went outside,&quot; one official from Mare in the Loyalty Islands told.

&quot;I thought I was going to faint, I was very afraid and I rushed out of my building,&quot; said a resident of central Noumea.

Geoscience Australia seismologist Spiro Spiliopoulos said damage in the capital was unlikely.&nbsp;

&quot;They will feel moderate shaking, but there is a low likelihood of damage from the earthquake itself in Noumea,&quot; he told.

A resident in Port Vila, Vanuatu, told AFP that no tsunami alert had been issued by local authorities.

Monday`s earthquake followed a series of temblors to hit the Loyalty Islands area over the past few weeks, including a 6.8-magnitude quake that struck at the end of October.

The US Geological Survey said the shallow tremor hit approximately 82 kilometres to the east of the lightly populated Loyalty Islands at around 10:45 am (2245 GMT).?

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of New Caledonia on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The US Geological Survey said the shallow tremor hit approximately 82 kilometres to the east of the lightly populated Loyalty Islands at around 10:45 am (2245 GMT). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert saying that tsunami waves could affect areas within 300 kilometres (180 miles), which would include Vanuatu and New Caledonia, whose capital Noumea sits some 250 kilometres east of the epicentre. Nervous residents reported feeling several tremors throughout the night before the quake hit. "Parked cars were shaking and everyone went outside," one official from Mare in the Loyalty Islands told. "I thought I was going to faint, I was very afraid and I rushed out of my building," said a resident of central Noumea. Geoscience Australia seismologist Spiro Spiliopoulos said damage in the capital was unlikely. "They will feel moderate shaking, but there is a low likelihood of damage from the earthquake itself in Noumea," he told. A resident in Port Vila, Vanuatu, told AFP that no tsunami alert had been issued by local authorities. Monday`s earthquake followed a series of temblors to hit the Loyalty Islands area over the past few weeks, including a 6.8-magnitude quake that struck at the end of October.

7.0 magnitude quake off New Caledonia, triggers tsunami warning

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