Authorities in Turks and Caicos, a small British Overseas Territory, have issued an urgent warning after a Canadian woman had both of her hands bitten off by a shark when she was trying to take a photo of it.
According to reports, the 55-year-old tourist was attacked by a shark in shallow waters on Thompson’s Cove Beach.
The tourist reportedly lost both of her hands in the savage attack, and she was also bitten on her thigh.
A statement from the island nation's Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) stated that the victim was in stable condition and was airlifted off the island for further medical care. She is expected to survive the ordeal.
The DECR also confirmed that the island's beaches were shut down for two days after the attack and only reopened after it was confirmed that the shark had swum into deeper waters.
"The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances," they said in their statement.
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