Turtle Beach/Courland Bay has been temporarily closed to the public after a shark attack this morning near the Starfish Hotel. The victim, a 64-year-old British visitor, Peter Smith, sustained severe injuries to his left hand, left thigh, and stomach.
He was attacked by a bull shark approximately 10 meters away from the shore. The shark, estimated to be between 8 to 10 feet in length and 2 feet in width, caused severe injuries to Smith, severing his left hand from the elbow down, severing his left thigh, and resulting in a laceration to his stomach.
Smith is currently receiving critical care at the Scarborough General Hospital.
The Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, in a social media post, said he spoke with the British High Commissioner and the TT Coast Guard is closely monitoring the area.
As a precautionary measure, the public has been advised that Turtle Beach/Courland Bay is temporarily closed off, and all bathing or beach activities in the area are strictly prohibited at this time.