A Canadian tourist was injured in a shark attack while attempting to take a picture of the animal in the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this month. The incident took place on February 7 at a beach on Providenciales, one of the territory's eastern islands, as reported by the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force.
The 55-year-old victim was quickly brought ashore and taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack. According to the territory's environmental department, the tourist had approached the shark from the shallows in an effort to capture photographs. The shark, estimated to be around 6 feet in length, has not had its species confirmed yet.
Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged the incident involving a Canadian citizen and is in contact with local authorities to gather more information and provide consular assistance while respecting privacy concerns.
Shark attacks on humans are rare, particularly in Turks and Caicos. The Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File has recorded only three shark attacks in the territory between 1749 and 2024, compared to 33 in the Bahamas during the same period. One such attack occurred in 2023, resulting in a snorkeling American woman losing her leg.
Dr. Gavin Naylor, who oversees the Shark Attack File, noted that the recent incident will be included in the database's annual report next February. The Caribbean region is home to approximately 30 different shark species, highlighting the diversity of marine life in the area.
