A Caribbean tourist suffered devastating injuries after a shark attacked her while she attempted to take a selfie near the water’s edge.
The incident occurred at Thompson Cove Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands on February 7, when the 55-year-old Canadian ventured a few yards into the shallows. Eyewitnesses report that the tourist sought to capture a photo of a nearby shark, a decision that would soon have severe consequences.
Local authorities confirmed that the shark, estimated to be approximately 6 ft in length, struck swiftly and without warning. The attack resulted in the loss of both hands; one was amputated below the wrist and the other partially removed up to the forearm. Emergency responders and bystanders acted quickly, using available clothing to help stem the severe bleeding until medical assistance could be secured. The victim has traveled home to Canada for further treatment and rehabilitation.
The incident is notable for its dramatic nature and the quick reaction of both her husband and other beachgoers. In a desperate attempt to ward off the shark, her husband plunged into the water immediately after the attack. Video footage captured by another tourist shows the shark swimming in the vicinity, lingering close to the shore for nearly 40 minutes before the attack occurred. Although the species has not been definitively confirmed, local speculation points to the possibility of a bull shark.
Shark attacks in the Turks and Caicos Islands remain rare, with only one previous case reported last year. However, local authorities continue to warn visitors, especially as ocean conditions and wildlife behaviors evolve. Regulatory measures in nearby regions, such as the Cayman Islands’ ban on feeding sharks, underscore the ongoing efforts to minimize human-shark interactions and enhance public safety. Local law enforcement and marine safety officials are reviewing the incident to determine if additional preventive measures should be introduced at popular tourist spots.
