The family of a Canadian woman who lost both hands in a horrific shark attack has spoken out about the tragic incident.
On February 7, the woman was attacked by a seven-foot bull shark while swimming near Blue Hills, Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
The devastating encounter left her with both hands completely bitten off.
While initial reports suggested she had been attempting to take a photograph at the time, her family has since refuted those claims.
A GoFundMe page has been created by the woman’s brother-in-law to support her recovery, detailing the harrowing events of the attack.
“What was meant to be a relaxing vacation turned into a nightmare for my sister-in-law and her husband, my brother,” he wrote on the fundraising page.
He explained that after leaving the beach to join her husband in only hip-deep, clear water, a seven-foot bull shark suddenly approached, bumping into her legs before circling back and biting her thigh.
“Not satisfied, the shark returned, and when she instinctively put her hands up to protect herself, it severed both, one at mid-forearm and the other at the wrist,” he recounted.
“Her husband rushed to her aid, managing to wrestle the shark away and positioning himself between her and the predator until she was able to walk out of the water and collapse on the beach,” the brother-in-law recounted.
Following the attack, she was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted back to Canada for further surgery.
The family has set up a fundraiser with a goal of $26,000 to support the couple. As of now, over $22,000 has been raised.
In response to the incident, the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources Authorities has issued a warning to travelers visiting the islands, urging caution for those enjoying the beaches of Turks and Caicos.
The statement read: “On Friday, February 7, a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters near Blue Hills, Providenciales.
“The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where she was stabilized before being flown off the island for further medical care.”
It continued: “The shark was estimated to be around six feet in length, though its species has yet to be confirmed.
“Further investigation has revealed that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an effort to take photographs.”
