Réunion Island: Teenage Boy Killed in Shark Attack off Cap Homard
Helmut Nickel (mail), Shark Year Magazine,
12. April 2015
A 13-year-old surfer (other source: bodyboarder) was killed by a shark this morning on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. in the waters near Cap Homard which is located in the commune of Saint-Paul on the island’s western coast. Élio Canestri was attacked while practising his sport off Les Aigrettes along with six other young surfers. The beach was immediately evacuated.
According to local media sources, the victim has suffered severe injuries to his right arm, right leg and abdomen. It is reported that both limbs were torn off by the shark.
Two months ago, Réunion authorities extended existing restrictions on swimming and other water activities which also affect the location of today’s incident. This prefectural order is valid until 15. February 2016.
The tragic incident marks Réunion’s second shark attack fatality this year.
On February 14th, a swimmer died after suffering a shark bite close to shore in l’Etang Salé. In this case, the involved shark has been identified as an estimated 3,50 metres long tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier ( article ).
Sources: Clincanoo, Reunion Orange.
Related News Video, uploaded by ‘plouk ploukplouk’ on 12. April 2015 :
La Réunion : Elyo, surfeur de 13 ans, happé par une requin ! 12/04