Canadian Woman Loses Both Hands in Shark Attack While Taking Photos in 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 55-year-old Canadian tourist has lost both her hands following a shark attack that occurred on February 7 in Providenciales, a popular destination in the Turks and Caicos Islands. According to island officials, the woman had attempted to engage with a six-foot shark from shallow waters to take photographs when the incident took place. Details from her family reveal that after initially bumping into her legs, the shark returned and bit her thigh. In a desperate attempt to protect herself, she held out both hands, resulting in the shark severing one hand at the mid-forearm and the other at the wrist. Her husband reportedly intervened, managing to fend off the shark and assist her out of the water as she collapsed on the beach. The victim received stabilization treatment at a local hospital before being airlifted to Canada for emergency surgery. A GoFundMe page established by her brother-in-law has raised approximately $23,000 CAD to support the couple, highlighting the severe impact of the attack on their lives.

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.