Tourist dies after shark attack in Canary Islands leaves her leg amputated

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Spain’s Canary Islands on Monday when a German tourist lost her life following a shark attack. The victim, a 30-year-old woman, suffered a severe injury when the shark bit her leg while she was swimming near a British catamaran.

According to reports from the coastguard, the woman succumbed to a heart attack during her evacuation by a Spanish rescue helicopter. Initial reports indicate that she lost one of her legs in the attack, which happened approximately 278 nautical miles southwest of Gran Canaria.

The emergency services received a distress call at 12:55 GMT, requesting medical assistance. In response, a military plane and a helicopter were dispatched, and the Moroccan coastguard was also alerted to assist in the situation.

The woman was taken aboard the helicopter around 18:00 GMT and was en route to a hospital in Las Palmas when she sadly passed away. The vessel she was sailing on, named Dalliance Chichester, had departed from the port of Las Palmas on September 14.

Shark attacks, while rare, do occur. The International Shark Attack File, managed by the Florida Museum of Natural History and the American Elasmobranch Society, reported a total of 69 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in the previous year. Out of these incidents, 14 resulted in fatalities.

The report highlighted that Australia disproportionately contributed to shark bite fatalities, accounting for about 22% of the world’s unprovoked attacks. This alarming trend was noted in the aftermath of several recent incidents, including the death of a 16-year-old high school student in Jamaica less than a month prior to this attack.

Earlier this year, other notable shark attacks occurred, including a case in January where a young fisherman lost his life while diving for scallops off the Pacific coast of Mexico. In July, a surfer sustained life-changing injuries after a great white shark bit off his leg in Australia, and just a month earlier, another surfer named Tamayo Perry died from injuries received in a shark attack near the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

The rarity of shark attacks does not diminish their severity. These incidents serve as a reminder of the need for caution while swimming in ocean waters where sharks might inhabit. Safety guidelines and awareness can help reduce the risk of such tragic encounters.

This latest attack has drawn attention to the ongoing conversation about shark behavior and marine safety, especially as the tourism industry continues to thrive in coastal areas. Authorities urge swimmers and divers to remain vigilant and informed about local marine life to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event, many are reflecting on the unpredictability of nature and the inherent risks involved in ocean activities. While the ocean can be a source of recreation and enjoyment, it is essential to exercise caution and prioritize safety.

Source: various news agencies