Professional Diver (24) Dies After White Shark Attack in New Zealand

waitangi - A professional diver tragically passed away after being attacked by a white shark while diving off the coast of New Zealand. The incident occurred on the Chatham Islands, sparking fear among the local diving community.

At around 12:00 pm, emergency services on the Chatham Islands received a report of a man seriously injured after diving from a boat. The victim was identified as professional diver Jade Kahukore-Dixon according to local media.

The 24-year-old man was rushed to Waitangi Wharf cruise port after the attack, where he received medical assistance. He was then urgently transported to Chatham Island Health Centre, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by local police.

In a statement, Jade Kahukore-Dixon's father described his son as a 'great boy' who enjoyed fishing and diving. 'He thought he was one with the ocean... He was fearless,' the father expressed.

Mayor Monique Croon also spoke about the diver, mentioning, 'He is a local boy. He is known, loved, and this will be quite devastating for our commercial divers. It is the greatest risk, our greatest fear,' Croon told local media outlet Stuff.

Shark attacks in the waters around the Chatham Islands are rare, but with the increase in cod fishing activity in the area, more sharks have been observed in the region since the last century.