A tourist who visited the Turkish and Caicos islands was seriously injured when he was bitten while trying to “get involved” with a shark, According to the authorities.
The 55 -year -old tourist tried to “commit to the animal of shallow waters in an attempt to take photographs,” according to a press release from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources of Turks and Caicos (Dec).
The incident took place in Blue Hills, providential, on Friday, February 7, and the victim was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Center, where she was stabilized and transported outside the island for more medical attention. It is expected to survive.
The identity of women has not been released, but several Tabloid report That the tourist is believed to be a Canadian citizen. Global News has communicated with Global Affairs Canada to confirm whether the woman is Canadian, but did not receive a response for publication time.
“It was estimated that the shark had approximately 6 (feet) long. However, the species has not yet been confirmed, ”added the government in the report.
Government officials closed the beach after the incident and reopened the public on Sunday, February 9, “after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper waters.”
The government did not share details of the tourist interaction with the shark, but it did issue a warning to others swimming in the area.
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“Decring wishes to urge the public to always be aware of their surroundings, follow local warnings and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone and do not try to feed marine wildlife under any circumstance, ”reads the publication.
Shark bites in the waters of the Turkish and Caicos islands are rare, with only a non -fatal attack not caused last year, According to the International Shark Attack Archive of the Florida Natural History Museum.
The incident occurs after two American tourists were bitten by a shark in the Bahamas earlier this week. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Police said in Bimini They are investigating after two women were victims of a shark attack and needed to be transferred by their wounds.
“The initial reports indicate that the victims, both residents of the United States, suffered injuries as they swam in the waters of Bimini Bay. They received initial treatment at a local clinic before being transferred by plane to New Providence to obtain more medical attention. One of the victim's wounds is serious, ”said the police.
Rileight Decker, 20, and summer, 24, spoke with NBC News After returning to Florida and sharing the heartbreaking details of the hospital beds. They said they had jumped from their friend's yacht and shortly after, the shark approached.
“We are very grateful to be here with all our limbs,” Decker told NBC's Today Show earlier this week.
Decker said after they jumped into the ocean, “he felt something pushed my leg.”
“I thought, 'Summer, what was that?' And she said: 'Don't scare me like that.' And probably about two minutes later, we were just next to the ladder. I felt that my leg was thrown away, and immediately I knew that I was bitten by a shark, ”Decker recalled.
They said that their friends immediately took them out of the water and wrapped a tourniquet around Decker's right leg. Shortly after, they realized that Layman also suffered a shark bite.
“They shouted me that the upper part of my foot was crushed, and I hadn't noticed until I looked down,” Layman said.
Decker was transferred by plane to a hospital in the Bahamas and once both were stable, they were transferred back to Florida by Decker to undergo surgery.
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