A Canadian tourist has suffered a devastating shark attack while vacationing in the Caribbean, resulting in the loss of both her hands. The incident occurred on February 7 in Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where the 55-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was swimming in shallow waters.
According to local officials, the woman was attempting to photograph a six-foot shark when it first made contact by bumping into her legs. Moments later, the shark circled back and bit her thigh. As she instinctively raised her hands to protect herself, the shark severed both of her hands—one at the mid-forearm and the other at the wrist.
Following the attack, her husband rushed to her aid, managing to fend off the shark and ensuring she could exit the water safely. Once on the beach, she collapsed from her injuries. Island officials confirmed that she was stabilized at a local hospital before being transported to Canada for further medical treatment and surgery.
In the aftermath of this horrific event, the victim’s brother-in-law has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her and her husband during this challenging time. He described their experience as akin to a nightmare, noting that their lives have been forever changed in an instant. The funding page has already garnered significant support, raising over $23,000 CAD (approximately £12,859) to assist the couple.
The woman’s family highlighted her husband’s service in the Canadian armed forces for more than three decades, emphasizing the community’s desire to rally around them during this difficult period. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in marine environments, even in seemingly calm waters.