British Tourist Injured in Rare Shark Attack in Tobago

A British tourist, Peter Smith, was severely injured in a rare shark attack in Courland Bay, Tobago. The incident, which occurred near the Starfish Hotel, led to the closure of several beaches and a marine park along Tobago’s northwestern coast.

Smith, a 64-year-old from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, sustained injuries to his arm, thigh, and stomach in the attack. Farley Augustine, the Chief Secretary of Tobago, confirmed Smith’s stable condition but mentioned the severity of the wounds.

Orion Jakerov, the water sports manager at the Starfish Hotel, witnessed the incident. He recounted how the shark, believed to be a bull shark, attacked Smith and others near him in the water.

Authorities in Tobago closed beaches in the area between Plymouth and Store Bay, including the marine park surrounding the Bucco Reef, a popular tourist spot. Drones were deployed for surveillance, and a shark threat neutralization effort was initiated.

Bull sharks, notorious for their aggression, are considered one of the most dangerous shark species. Incidents involving them in Tobago are rare, with only two recorded shark attacks in the last two decades.

Stephanie Wright, another British tourist, described the harrowing sight of the shark attack. She and others on the beach initially mistook the commotion for a medical emergency before realizing the presence of the shark.

The Foreign Office is providing support to Smith’s family, while local authorities collaborate with the British High Commission to assist during this challenging time.