A 55-year-old Canadian woman sustained critical injuries after a shark attacked her while she was snorkeling near Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands on February 7, 2025. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time off Thompson’s Cove Beach in the Blue Hills area.
According to the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), the woman attempted to engage with a six-foot-long shark to take photographs. During this interaction, the shark inflicted severe injuries, leading to the amputation of one arm below the wrist and the other midway up the forearm. Additionally, she sustained a significant bite to her thigh.
Her husband, who was on the beach at the time, rushed into the water to fend off the shark and assist his wife back to shore. Bystanders provided immediate first aid, using available materials to control the bleeding until emergency services arrived. The victim was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Center for stabilization before being flown back to Canada for further medical treatment. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is expected to survive.
In response to the attack, local authorities temporarily closed the affected beach area as a precaution. The DECR has since reopened the beach but advises the public to remain vigilant, adhere to local guidelines, and respect marine wildlife. They emphasize the importance of swimming in designated areas, avoiding murky waters, never swimming alone, and refraining from feeding or attempting to interact with marine animals.
Shark attacks in the Turks and Caicos Islands are rare. Between 2021 and 2025, four incidents were reported, all non-fatal. The DECR continues to monitor marine activity to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.