A 55-year-old woman has lost both her hands in a horrific shark attack while trying to take a selfie with the creature, which was nearly two metres long.
The vacationing Canadian, whose identity has not been released, was swimming at a beach on the Providenciales island of Turks and Caicos during the morning of Feb. 7 when the terrifying incident occurred, according to a news release from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The woman’s horrified husband jumped in the water to try to scare the shark away, to no avail.
The victim was “brought ashore” and taken to a medical centre for treatment.
The woman had both hands amputated: One from below the wrist, and the other from halfway up her forearm, the New Zealand Herald reported.
She was flown back to Canada for further treatment.
The woman had only ventured “a few yards” into the water at Thompson Cove Beach when she was attacked, according to officials.
The Herald reported that the shark had been swimming in the area for around 40 minutes before striking.
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“The shark was estimated to be approximately 6 feet (1.8 metres) in length,” authorities said.
“However, the species is yet to be confirmed. It has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the injured female,” police wrote in a statement. “This remains an ongoing investigation.”
The stretch of beach was closed for two days before reopening on Feb. 9, according to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force did not respond to The Toronto Sun’s request for comment.