A Canadian tourist has lost both hands after a shark attack in shallow waters off the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Reports say the woman approached the animal in an attempt to take photos, a decision that ended in severe injuries.

The incident happened on the morning of February 7 at Thompson’s Cove Beach. Local media identified the victim as the 55 year old Nathalie Ross.

She was wading in shallow water when the shark attacked. Witnesses said her husband tried to fight the shark off as others rushed to help.

Photos shared online show Ross lying on the beach while bystanders worked to stop the bleeding.

Emergency responders later airlifted her to hospital. Doctors expect her to survive, despite the seriousness of her injuries.

Ross lost both of her hands in the attack. The shark also bit her thigh.

Officials confirmed she received initial treatment at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre before being flown off the island for specialist care.

Government confirms details of the attack

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government released a statement later that day. Officials confirmed a tourist suffered injuries from a shark near Blue Hills in Providenciales.

They said medical teams stabilized the victim before transferring her for further treatment.

Authorities closed the beach immediately as a safety precaution. The closure remained in place until February 9, once officials confirmed the shark had moved into deeper waters.

Investigators estimated the shark measured around six feet long. They have not confirmed the species.

After reviewing the incident, officials said the woman tried to interact with the shark from the shallows to take photographs.

Officials issue safety warning

Following the attack, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources urged caution. Officials reminded the public to respect marine life and remain alert when entering the ocean.

They advised swimmers to stay in designated areas and avoid murky water. They also warned against swimming alone or attempting to feed or approach marine animals.

The waters around the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to several shark species. Tourism officials say shark attacks remain rare at popular beaches.

Between 2021 and 2025, four shark attacks occurred in the region, with all victims surviving.

Despite their presence, sharks in these areas are usually described as docile. Authorities stress that most incidents happen when humans try to interact with wildlife.

The attack serves as a stark reminder that even shallow waters can pose serious risks.