British tourist in hospital after shark attack as Tobago closes several beaches
26 April 2024, 20:24
The closure included beaches along the north-western coast of the island of Tobago.
A shark has attacked a British tourist in the south-eastern Caribbean, prompting the government of Trinidad and Tobago to close seven beaches and a marine park.
The man was admitted to hospital in an intensive care unit following the attack, officials said.
The closure included beaches along the north-western coast of the island of Tobago.
The attack occurred at Turtle Beach along Great Courland Bay.
The government said in a statement that shark sightings were reported in the Grafton area and the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.
Officials said the closures will allow the Coast Guard and Department of Fisheries to investigate the incident and “neutralise the shark threat, if possible”.
Shark attacks are rare.
Last year, there were 69 unprovoked attacks and 22 provoked bites worldwide, along with 14 fatalities, according to the Florida-based International Shark Attack File.
