Canadian Woman Suffers Shark Bite Injury While Attempting to Capture Photo

A Canadian woman sustained critical injuries while trying to photograph a shark on a beach in Turks and Caicos.

While wading in shallow waters, she attempted to interact with the shark for a photo opportunity, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The shark reacted by biting off both of her hands.

This unfortunate event occurred on February 7 at a beach located in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

According to Charlotte MacLeod, a media relations officer from Global Affairs Canada, the department is aware of a Canadian citizen facing an incident in Turks and Caicos.

Article details

“Consular officials are in contact with local authorities to obtain further information and are prepared to offer consular support,” she stated in an email to the National Post. “Regrettably, privacy concerns prevent us from sharing additional details.”

Reports indicate that one of the woman’s hands was amputated at the wrist, while the other was severed midway down her forearm.

The incident victim, who is believed to be 55 years old, was reportedly trying to engage with the shark when local authorities noted that she was attacked. A person claiming to be related to her mentioned that she managed to walk back to shore after the incident and sustained a bite on her thigh but did not lose her leg.

Witnesses mentioned that her husband attempted to fend off the shark as it continued to circle and aggressive toward the woman.

Among the shark species most often associated with attacks on humans are the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark, collectively referred to as the “Big Three” due to their considerable size and potential for serious injuries.

The shark involved in this incident was estimated to be around six feet long, but its exact species has yet to be determined.

Shark prevalence

Sharks are typically found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, which are also popular with tourists. People may inadvertently venture into areas where sharks are located while swimming or snorkeling. However, shark attacks in the Turks and Caicos Islands are quite infrequent. Between 2021 and 2025, only four non-fatal shark incidents were reported.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are recognized for their thriving marine ecosystem, including various shark species, but such encounters with humans are uncommon, particularly at frequently visited beaches.

Its Department of Environment and Coastal Resources recommends exercising caution and advises against feeding marine wildlife to help reduce the likelihood of such incidents.