Herein we report an unprovoked shark attack on a scuba diver in New Caledonia. The
species responsible for the attack was identified as a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), based on both the victim’s testimony and forensic examination. The victim suffered
significant loss of soft tissues from one thigh, which resulted in hemorrhagic shock.
Even though the event occurred at a remote location, miles away from the nearest hospital,
appropriate first aid, immediate deployment of an alert system, and prompt helicopter
transfer by an emergency rescue team allowed the victim to be transferred to an intensive
care unit in stable condition and to undergo surgery within 4 h of being bitten. Early
coverage of exposed bone was performed, followed up with negative pressure dressing,
antibiotic treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and a split skin graft. In spite
of the massive muscular loss incurred, the victim was able to regain her ability to
walk within 6 wk of the incident. Shark attacks on scuba divers are rare and seldom
reported, especially in New Caledonia.
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Article info
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Published online: June 16, 2022
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© 2022 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
