During a dream vacation in the Caribbean, a woman’s attempt to interact with a shark resulted in her losing both hands.
The tourist was trying to capture a photo of the shark, estimated to be six to nine feet long, when it bit her in hip-deep water at a beach on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This incident occurred on February 7 at the eastern end of Blue Hills Beach, near Da Conch Shack and Thompson’s Cove Beach. According to Visit Turks and Caicos Islands, the shark could have been either a bull shark or a tiger shark.
In light of the attack, the Turks and Caicos Islands government issued a warning to tourists about the potential dangers present in its clear waters.
The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources released the following statement: “On Friday 7th February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.”
The statement continued: “The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.”
“Upon confirmation of the incident, the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.”
The statement also noted: “The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.”
It was clarified that “Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.”
The DECR advised the public: “The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances.”
This recent incident marks the fourth shark attack in the Turks and Caicos since 2020.
The first was in September 2021, when a male tourist was bitten by a seven-foot lemon shark or tiger shark. Nearly two years later, in May 2023, a 22-year-old tourist lost his foot in another attack.
Last May, a resident was severely bitten while snorkeling, leading to the amputation of his leg above the knee.