A woman’s leg was bitten off by a shark in a freak accident in the Turks and Caicos islands on Sunday, police said.
The attack took place while the woman was snorkeling in an area known for its high concentration of sharks, according to Turks and Caicos police. Emergency responders rushed the unidentified victim to a local hospital, where the leg was amputated.
Police are warning swimmers and snorkelers in the area to be aware of their surroundings and to exercise caution.
“We are asking swimmers and snorkelers of all ages to be extra vigilant while in the water around the islands,” said Acting Inspector Hamish James in a statement.
Local officials have reminded visitors that sharks are part of the marine ecosystem, and authorities are currently conducting investigations to determine the type of shark responsible for the attack.
This is not the first time a shark attack has been reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In January, a 12-year-old girl was injured in a shark attack in Providenciales. In September 2020, a man was also bitten by a shark while swimming in a Providenciales beach.
