A Canadian tourist suffered a severe shark attack while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The incident, which occurred on February 7, 2025, left the 55-year-old woman with both hands amputated.
Reports suggest she attempted to photograph the shark when it attacked her near Thompson’s Cove Beach in Providenciales.
According to local authorities, the woman was only a few yards from shore when she was attacked by a shark.
Officials told The New Zealand Herald that the tourist had been attempting to interact with the animal from the shallows, reportedly trying to take photographs when the incident occurred.
Witnesses recounted a terrifying scene as the woman’s husband desperately tried to fight off the shark to prevent further injuries.
Bystanders quickly rushed to help, using cloths in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
The victim was brought to shore and taken immediately to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.
Medical staff later confirmed that one of her hands had been amputated at the wrist, and the other was severed halfway down her forearm.
She has since been transported back to Canada for additional treatment.
Authorities estimate the shark was around six feet long, though the species has yet to be identified.
However, some unconfirmed online reports suggest it may have been a bull shark.
Footage taken by another tourist near a beachside villa captured a shark thrashing in shallow waters close to the attack site.
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) responded promptly to the incident, MailOnline reports.
The beach was temporarily closed, with officials advising the public to stay out of the water until further notice.
In a social media post, the DECR urged caution: “Stay safe in the water! Always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, and never swim alone. Let’s enjoy the ocean responsibly!”
Shark attacks in the Turks and Caicos Islands are relatively rare.
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there was only one reported unprovoked attack in the region last year, which was non-fatal.
A similar incident occurred in 2023 when a 22-year-old American woman had her foot bitten off while snorkeling near the islands. Tragically, her foot could not be reattached due to delays in emergency medical transport.
Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory, is home to various shark species, including grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and bull sharks.
The ISAF recently noted that: “2024 was an exceptionally calm year for shark bites. Worldwide, there were only 47 unprovoked attacks, down 22 from the previous year and well below the 10-year average of 70.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while urging tourists and locals alike to exercise caution when entering the ocean.
