Cruise Passengers Watch In Horror As Fellow Tourist Is Mauled To Death

A man has been killed after a brutal shark attack while swimming in the ocean off the coast of New Caledonia.

The man, described as being in his 50s, was on a cruise with his friends south of the archipelago when he was killed.

He was swimming just metres from the boat in the Pacific Ocean when he was bitten multiple times by a bull shark.

A military police spokesperson has described the attack as 'really savage and sudden'. 

'Most people on board were health workers, the first aid given was significant but the injuries were such that unfortunately there was not much that could be done,' the spokesperson told local radio.

The victim's nationality has not been revealed. 

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory off northeastern Australia.

The collection of islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. 

-Image: Getty