The family of a Canadian woman who suffered severe injuries in a shark attack has shared their story.
On February 7, the woman was attacked by a shark while swimming near Blue Hills, Providenciales, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The incident resulted in the woman losing both of her hands after the shark severely bit her.
Family members identified the attacking animal as a seven-foot bull shark.
Initial reports suggested the woman was trying to take a photo during the attack, but her family has disputed this claim.
A fundraising effort on GoFundMe was established by her brother-in-law, who recounted the traumatic event.
“While on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, my sister-in-law and her husband, my brother, lived what can only be described as a nightmare,” he wrote on the fundraising page, accessible here.
“After leaving the beach to join her husband, in only hip-deep clear water, a seven-foot bull shark came at my sister-in-law and bumped into her legs. The shark then circled around and bit her thigh.”
He further explained: “Not satisfied, the shark came back again and when she put both hands in front of her to protect herself, the shark cut off both of her hands, one at mid forearm and the other at the wrist.
“Her husband, having rushed back to help, then managed to wrestle away the shark and stayed between her and the shark until she walked out of the water and collapsed on the beach.”
The brother-in-law noted that she was initially treated at a local hospital before being flown back to Canada for further medical treatment.
The family is aiming to raise $26,000 to support the couple, and more than $22,000 has already been donated.
Following the event, the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources Authorities issued a caution to visitors of the islands, especially those enjoying the beaches of Turks and Caicos.
The statement said: “On Friday 7th February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.
“The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.”
The statement added: “The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.
“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.”