Canadian Tourist Loses Hands in Shark Attack While on Vacation in the Caribbean

A Canadian woman, aged 55, experienced a life-altering shark attack while snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos Islands, resulting in the loss of both her hands. According to her brother-in-law, Al Chavarie, the incident occurred when she attempted to take a photograph with a seven-foot bull shark while in shallow waters. The shark initially bumped into her before biting her thigh. When the woman tried to protect herself, it attacked again, severing one hand at the wrist and the other at mid-forearm. Chavarie detailed that her husband, Ralph, managed to push the shark away and helped her reach safety on the beach, where emergency responders provided first aid. She was later airlifted to Canada for surgery. The Turks and Caicos Islands Environment Department stated their investigation confirmed that the woman had attempted to engage with the shark for a photo. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the couple, having raised over $23,000 CAD. Shark attacks in the region are rare, with only four reported cases since 2021, all of which did not result in fatalities.

A Canadian woman suffered severe injuries after a shark bit off both her hands while she attempted to take a photograph off the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands last week. The attack occurred approximately ten yards from the shore at Thompson’s Cove Beach around 10:30 am on February 7, as local authorities reported. The victim, 55, was reportedly swimming in shallow waters when the shark struck. Witnesses noted that her husband tried to fend off the shark during the attack. Disturbing images revealed a crowd gathered around the injured woman as beachgoers applied pressure to her arms to control the bleeding. She lost one hand at the wrist and the other midway down her forearm. A relative indicated that despite her injuries, she managed to make it back to the shore before receiving medical treatment. Though she was bitten on the thigh, she retained her leg. Recovery efforts are currently ongoing as officials caution beachgoers to avoid the water until it is deemed safe.

A Canadian woman suffered severe injuries when a shark attacked her while she attempted to take its photograph off the shore of Thompson’s Cove Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The incident occurred on February 7, 2025, as the 55-year-old was swimming only a few yards from the beach. According to local authorities, she “attempted to engage” with the shark shortly before the attack. Witnesses reported that the woman's husband tried to save her by fighting off the shark as it circled and attempted to bite her again. Following the attack, bystanders rushed to assist her as she managed to make it back to the beach, where they applied clothing to her arms to control the bleeding. The woman tragically lost one hand at the wrist and the other halfway down her forearm. Additionally, reports indicated she received a bite on her thigh but did not lose her leg. Currently, she is receiving medical treatment in Canada. Authorities have advised beachgoers to stay out of the water until it is deemed safe.