Pictured: British victim of shark attack who is fighting for his life after being mauled in the Caribbean

27 April 2024, 15:09

Peter Smith
Peter Smith. Picture: Facebook

By Kit Heren

A British tourist has been left fighting for his life after being attacked by a shark in the south-eastern Caribbean.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Berkshire resident Peter Smith, 64, was rushed to hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit following the attack in Tobago, according to officials.

The extent of his injuries is unclear. Tobago's chief secretary Farley Augustine said Mr Smith's "left hand was severed from the elbow down" and "left thigh [was] severed".

Other reports suggest he has lost some fingers, and others have been reattached. Photos suggest that his arms and legs were severely cut, rather than being severed totally.

The bull shark that attacked him was about eight to 10 feet long and two feet wide, Mr Augustine said.

Mr Smith is receiving critical care in hospital.

The attack occurred at Turtle Beach along Great Courland Bay.

Mr Smith had reportedly ventured into the water near the island’s Starfish Hotel.

Several beaches along the north-western coast of Tobago have been closed following the incident, as officials hunt the shark.

Read more: British man recruited as 'Russian spy' charged with masterminding arson attack on Ukrainian-linked businesses in London

Read more: Two teachers injured in Ammanford school stabbing break their silence as they thank public for kind messages

Officials said the closures will allow the Coast Guard and Department of Fisheries to investigate the incident and "neutralise the shark threat, if possible".

The government said in a statement that shark sightings were reported in the Grafton area and the Buccoo Reef Marine Park.

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.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A net balance of 28% of professionals reported seeing the number of sales agreed falling. Sales volumes are generally expected to flatten out rather than fall in the three months ahead, the survey indicated.

House sales tipped to bounce back with 'strongest outlook' since February - but buyer interest still slipping

Supporters of Dignity in Dying celebrate on hearing the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is a ‘tremendous privilege’ and calls for law change at home

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

A fire broke out at a leisure centre in a town near Ballymena amid ongoing riots.

Masked thugs set leisure centre on fire as residents fear for their life in Ballymena

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028