Turks and Caicos Islands – A Canadian tourist was severely injured in a shark attack after reportedly attempting to engage with the animal for a photo in the shallow waters of Thompson’s Cove Beach on February 7.
The victim, identified as Nathalie Ross, 55, was attacked at approximately 10:30 a.m. while wading in the waters off Providenciales, the main island of the Caribbean nation. According to reports, her husband attempted to fight off the shark before she was pulled to safety on the shore.
Eyewitness photos from the scene show Ms Ross lying on the beach as her husband and bystanders worked to stop the bleeding. Local news outlet Magnetic Media reported that she lost both hands in the attack and suffered a severe bite wound to her thigh.
Emergency services airlifted her to a hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment and is expected to survive.
According to a statement from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, officials estimated the shark to be approximately six feet long, though the exact species remains unconfirmed. The statement also noted that the victim had attempted to engage with the shark from the shallows to take photographs.
As a precaution, Thompson’s Cove Beach was temporarily closed until midday on February 9 after authorities determined that the shark had moved to deeper waters. Following the attack, footage surfaced online showing a shark thrashing near the location of the incident.
According to Visit Turks & Caicos Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ waters are home to various shark species, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, and reef sharks.
Global Shark Attacks on the Decline
The incident comes amid reports of a decline in global shark attacks. According to the International Shark Attack File, maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, 47 attacks were recorded worldwide in 2024, nearly half of the 69 attacks recorded in 2023.
Additionally, four of last year’s attacks resulted in fatalities, compared to 10 deaths in 2023 and five in 2022.
The attack in Turks and Caicos follows another fatal shark encounter earlier this month near Brisbane, Australia. Charlize Zmuda, 17, was swimming off Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, Queensland when she was killed in a shark attack.
Authorities in Turks and Caicos have urged visitors to exercise caution when entering the waters, especially in areas with active marine wildlife.
