Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025
Outside the box.
Canadian Woman Suffers Severe Injuries in Shark Attack in Turks and Caicos
The incident involved a 55-year-old female visitor who lost both hands and part of her thigh while swimming.
On February 7, 2025, a severe shark attack occurred in the Turks and Caicos Islands, involving a 55-year-old Canadian woman who sustained critical injuries.
The incident took place in Blue Hills, Providenciales, as reported by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The victim was attacked while reportedly attempting to take a photograph while in the water.
Her husband intervened during the attack in a desperate effort to drive the shark away.
Following the attack, emergency personnel responded swiftly to a call received at 10:33 a.m., and the woman was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Center for urgent medical treatment.
Reports indicate that she lost both hands and part of her thigh due to the injuries incurred during the mauling.
The Turks and Caicos Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR) confirmed the attack and announced that swimmers should remain vigilant and abstain from swimming until further notice.
In a public advisory, the DECR urged individuals to be mindful of their surroundings, follow local safety advisories, and respect marine life, encouraging safe swimming practices such as using designated areas and avoiding murky waters.
Shark sightings and encounters are not uncommon in the region, with statistics from local authorities revealing that four shark attacks have occurred since 2021. Previous incidents have resulted in severe injuries, including amputations.
Authorities have suggested that increased tourism and overfishing may disrupt the natural food chain, potentially contributing to these encounters.
The recent incident has raised concerns regarding water safety in popular tourist destinations known for their marine biodiversity.
The incident took place in Blue Hills, Providenciales, as reported by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The victim was attacked while reportedly attempting to take a photograph while in the water.
Her husband intervened during the attack in a desperate effort to drive the shark away.
Following the attack, emergency personnel responded swiftly to a call received at 10:33 a.m., and the woman was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Center for urgent medical treatment.
Reports indicate that she lost both hands and part of her thigh due to the injuries incurred during the mauling.
The Turks and Caicos Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR) confirmed the attack and announced that swimmers should remain vigilant and abstain from swimming until further notice.
In a public advisory, the DECR urged individuals to be mindful of their surroundings, follow local safety advisories, and respect marine life, encouraging safe swimming practices such as using designated areas and avoiding murky waters.
Shark sightings and encounters are not uncommon in the region, with statistics from local authorities revealing that four shark attacks have occurred since 2021. Previous incidents have resulted in severe injuries, including amputations.
Authorities have suggested that increased tourism and overfishing may disrupt the natural food chain, potentially contributing to these encounters.
The recent incident has raised concerns regarding water safety in popular tourist destinations known for their marine biodiversity.
