Authorities in Turks and Caicos have issued an urgent warning to tourists after a woman has her hands bitten off by a shark in a savage attack.
On 7 February, a Canadian woman was attacked by a shark in shallow waters on Thompson’s Cove Beach, on the north side of the island.
It’s understood the 55-year-old tourist has lost both of her hands in the attack, she was also bitten in the thigh but hasn't lost her leg.
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Photos taken on the beach show the woman surrounded by other tourists as they attempt to stop the bleeding. The beach remained closed for two days until it was confirmed that the shark had moved to deeper water.
A statement from the island nation's environmental and coastal resources added that she was in a stable condition and airlifted off the island for further medical care. She is expected to survive the ordeal.
Authorities have also issued a stark warning to tourists visiting the beaches of Turks and Caicos, urging them remain aware of their surroundings and to respect local marine life.
"The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life," the statement read (via Facebook).
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"Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances."
Authorities also confirmed that the woman had indeed been taking pictures in the moments leading up to the attack.
"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 statement added.
Numerous species of sharks can be spotted around the Caribbean islands, including the more aggressive tiger shark breed. Grey reef sharks, nurse sharks and bull sharks can also be found in the area.
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However, information from Visit Turks and Caicos Islands adds that shark attacks are ‘generally quite rare’ at tourist beaches.
The specific species of shark was not confirmed, however, it is believed the animal was around 6ft in length.
It has also been reported that the woman's 55-year-old husband had bravely attempted to fight off the shark while others brought her safely to shore.
"That shark bite victim lost both her hands and some forearms. Her husband tried to fight it off," one onlooker told local outlet Magnetic Media.
"I was there for 40 minutes and it was still lingering."
Topics: Animals, Shark Attacks, Sharks, US News, World News
Brenna Cooper