Canadian Woman Loses Hands in Shark Attack While Attempting Photo in Turks and Caicos

A Canadian woman suffered severe injuries after attempting to photograph a shark near a beach in Turks and Caicos. The incident occurred on February 7 in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales, where the woman waded into the shallows and tried to engage with the shark. Instead, the animal attacked, severing both of her hands.

According to reports from The Daily Mail, one of her hands was amputated at the wrist, while the other was severed midway down her forearm. She also sustained a bite to her thigh but did not lose her leg. Witnesses stated that her husband fought off the shark as it continued circling, attempting to attack again. Despite her injuries, the woman managed to walk back to shore after the ordeal.

Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the attack, confirming that consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are prepared to provide assistance. However, due to privacy considerations, no further details about the victim have been disclosed.

Authorities have not identified the precise species of the shark, though it was estimated to be about six feet in length. The most common sharks involved in attacks on humans include great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull sharks—often referred to as the “Big Three” due to their size and aggressive tendencies. Despite the presence of various shark species in the region, attacks in Turks and Caicos remain rare, with only four reported incidents between 2021 and 2025, all of which were non-fatal.

The Turks and Caicos Department of Environment and Coastal Resources advises caution when entering the water and strongly discourages feeding marine wildlife to reduce the risk of encounters. While the islands boast a healthy marine ecosystem, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions in tropical waters.