Canadian tourist loses both hands after shark attack in Turks and Caicos
- A 55-year-old Canadian woman was attacked by a bull shark while taking a selfie in hip-deep water.
- Her husband attempted to intervene but the shark caused severe injuries, resulting in the loss of both of her hands.
- The incident led to a temporary beach closure as authorities issued a precautionary measure, highlighting the potential rise of shark activity near shorelines.
In a tragic incident that occurred recently in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a 55-year-old Canadian woman lost both her hands after a shark attack while attempting to take a selfie in the ocean. The woman was enjoying her vacation with her husband when she ventured into the water, only to encounter a seven-foot bull shark. Reports indicate that while she was in hip-deep water, the shark first bumped into her legs and then circled around to bite her thigh. Her husband, witnessing the horrific event, rushed to her aid, but by the time he intervened, the shark had already inflicted severe damage. Following the attack, her husband tried to keep between his wife and the shark, ultimately helping her out of the water as she struggled and collapsed on the beach. First responders quickly arrived on the scene, providing immediate care before transporting her to a local medical facility. In a statement by the Turks and Caicos Islands Environment Department, they confirmed that the tourist had tried to engage with the animal in order to capture photographs, which may have provoked the attack. The beach where the incident occurred was subsequently closed for precautionary measures. Authorities later announced the reopening of the beach after confirming that the shark had receded into deeper water. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by marine wildlife, especially as warmer water temperatures can lead to increased shark activity near shorelines. Despite this, statistics indicate a decline in unprovoked shark attacks globally, with 2024 seeing 47 such incidents—a significant drop compared to previous years. The family of the victim is now seeking support through fundraising initiatives to assist with the woman's extensive medical needs and rehabilitation following the attack. Initial fundraising efforts have garnered significant donations, helping to support the couple during this devastating time. Shark encounters in the Turks and Caicos are infrequent, and historically, the region has only recorded a few shark incidents over the years. The most common species present in these waters tends to be the less aggressive grey reef shark, but more aggressive types like the bull shark, which attacked the woman, are also present, albeit rarely.