Tobago Correspondent
British national Peter Smith will leave Tobago within the next 24 hours, via medical evacuation service, following several surgeries at the Scarborough General Hospital after Friday’s shark attack.
In an update last evening, Tobago House of Assembly Secretary of the Division of Health Wellness and Social Protection Faith B Yisrael said, “Arrangements have been made for Mr Peter Smith to be airlifted out of Tobago to Miami within the next 24 hours.”
Up to last night, Smith was critical but stable at the hospital.
Guardian Media was told that Smith, 64, had a blood transfusion and doctors successfully managed to save and reattach his limbs and his wounds were stitched and treated, after he suffered the severe injuries in the attack while bathing at Courland Bay (Turtle Beach).
Yesterday, his wife Joanne Smith told the BBC that he was awake and responsive in the ICU Unit, as his condition had improved. She said he was also able to communicate to family members.
His wife reportedly said, “Peter has suffered damage to his left arm and leg, puncture wounds to the abdomen and injuries to his right hand, the full extent of which are still being evaluated.”
She thanked “the wonderfully kind people of Tobago for all their help and support” including “all those that assisted at the scene, and especially the two friends that remained in the water to battle the shark.”
Sources also confirmed Smith’s condition, explaining that he was responsive although still under some level of sedation.
“He can say yes, no, and is aware,” a hospital source said.
The THA covered accommodation and other associated costs to ensure his wife could remain in Tobago until his condition improved.
After Smith leaves Tobago and as his condition improves, he is expected to undergo plastic surgery to replace tissues lost, among other procedures.
Smith, a father of two from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, sustained serious injuries to his left hand, left thigh and lacerations on his abdomen during the attack.
Plan to reopen beaches on phased basis
Meanwhile, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has presented a plan to stakeholders proposing the reopening of restricted beaches on a phased basis method in the wake of last Friday’s shark attack.
In a private meeting last night, TEMA also presented purpose-driven shark response protocols to guide and prepare stakeholders for any future attacks.
Speaking to Guardian Media, TEMA director Allan Stewart said the plan details a risk assessment of each of the restricted beaches, risk communication, protocols for disseminating information, fact-finding and education, as well as educating the public on shark behaviour.
The plan has already been discussed with first responders such as lifeguards, who were also briefed on plans to develop protocols for their emergency response, specifically regarding shark sightings.
TEMA is also reviewing and updating resources and assets needed to respond to shark attacks.
Last Friday, the Tobago House of Assembly closed ten beaches along Tobago’s west coast, following a shark attack on British national Peter Smith while he was bathing at Courland Bay.
Stewart said the THA is doing all in its power to return to a level of normalcy with a better approach in terms of being able to manage the factors involved in such an incident.
“We will ultimately be in a better place in terms of growth and ideally having a purpose-driven shark response place for the island of Tobago. Once there is an agreement, we will have an idea of when and if the beaches will be opened.”
Stewart said the last reported shark sighting was made on Saturday but it has not been confirmed.