Authorities issue warning after tourist has both hands bitten off by shark while trying to take picture of it

A woman has lost both of her hands after trying to 'engage' with a shark while on a vacation of a lifetime in the Caribbean.

The tourist attempted to snap a picture of the apex predator, which is believed to be between six and nine feet long, when the beast snapped back at the holidaymaker in hip-deep water on a beach on Providenciales, the main island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

A tiger shark may have been the culprit (Getty stock)

The incident took place on Friday last week (February 7), at the eastern end of Blue Hills Beach near Da Conch Shack and Thompson's Cove Beach - with the culprit understood to be either a bull shark or tiger shark, according to Visit Turks and Caicos Islands.

Turks and Caicos Islands government has since warned tourists of the dangers that lurk in its crystal clear waters.

The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources Authorities issued the following statement: "On Friday 7th February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

"The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

A bull shark is the other species that could have bitten the woman's hands off (Getty stock)

"Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water."

It continued: "The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

"Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, is a popular holiday destination for snorkelers (Getty stock)

"The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances."

This month's incident is the fourth recorded shark attack to have taken place in the Turks and Caicos since 2020.

The first took place in September 2021, when a male tourist was bitten on his wrist by a seven-foot lemon shark or tiger shark, while the next took place almost two years later in May 2023, this time a 22-year-old holidaymaker lost his foot.

In May last year, a male resident was attacked while snorkelling, with the bite being so severe that it resulted in amputation of his leg above his knee.