Tourist Loses Both Hands While Allegedly Trying to Photograph Shark
Turks and Caicos Department of Environment and Coastal Resources said in a press release last week that a tourist had been injured by a shark on Friday, Feb. 7 off the coast of Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
"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 agency wrote.
Additional details surfaced in a GoFundMe campaign organized by the victim's brother-in-law over the weekend, which stated that the unnamed woman actually lost both hands in the attack. Though, it did not mention whether she had been taking photos at the time.
"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," the campaign stated. The woman was apparently wading in clear, hip-deep water when the shark bumped into her legs. However, after circling, the shark then bit her thigh.
"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," the campaigned explained. "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."
First responders provided first aid on the beach before the woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment. However, she was then flown back to Canada by air ambulance to undergo further surgical procedures.
"This is something that has completely altered their life in the blink of an eye," added the brother of the woman's husband, who was an over 30-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Following the incident, a beach closure was issued in the area where the woman was attacked through Sunday, Feb. 9, until it was determined that the shark had moved into deeper waters.
"The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life," the press release advised. "Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances."
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