A tourist from the UK was involved in a shark encounter while vacationing in the Caribbean island of Tobago. Identified as 64-year-old Peter Smith, he sustained serious injuries at Turtle Beach near the Starfish hotel in Courland Bay on the island’s western side.
Reportedly attacked by what local authorities suspect to be a bull shark, Smith’s wife recounted that two companions attempted to fend off the shark to rescue him. He suffered injuries to his left arm and leg, abdomen punctures, and damage to his right hand.
Smith received medical attention at Scarborough General Hospital, where he remains under medication but is conscious to some extent. Following the incident, beach closures were implemented as a safety measure.
Witnesses noted that the attack occurred in waist-deep water, catching everyone off guard. Initially, authorities offered a reward for capturing the shark responsible but later withdrew the offer.
Smith and his wife were set to depart Tobago for the UK on the day of the incident. Bull sharks, known for their territorial behavior and aggression toward humans, pose a significant threat in coastal areas worldwide, including Tobago.
Although rare, shark encounters have been reported, with a slight increase in incidents according to the International Shark Attack File. Tobago, historically, has seen minimal shark activity, with only two recorded incidents in the past two decades, both located far from the island itself.
