Shark attack kills diver in New Zealand's Chatham Islands

A commercial diver, Jade Kahukore-Dixon, was killed by a shark in the Chatham Islands on Tuesday. This incident marks New Zealand's first fatal shark attack since 2021, according to marine scientist Dr. Riley Elliot, who noted such attacks are extremely rare. Dr. Elliot explained that commercial diving is inherently risky, especially in areas with many great white sharks. He emphasized that divers are aware of the dangers and take precautions, but the ocean remains unpredictable. While shark attacks are tragic, Dr. Elliot reassured the public that the average beach-goer is unlikely to encounter a shark. He advised people to avoid swimming near shark prey and to be cautious in known shark habitats.