PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A shark attacked a British tourist on Friday in the southeastern Caribbean, prompting the government of Trinidad & Tobago to close seven beaches and a marine park. The man was hospitalized in an intensive care unit following the attack, officials said.
The closure included beaches along the northwestern coast of the island of Tobago. The attack occurred at Turtle Beach along Great Courland Bay.
The government said in a statement that shark sightings were reported in the Grafton area and the Buccoo Reef Marine Park. Officials said the closures will allow the Coast Guard and Department of Fisheries to investigate the incident and “neutralize the shark threat, if possible.”
Shark attacks are rare. 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.
Kim Kardashian is relentlessly BOOED by the crowd at Tom Brady roast in her hometown of Los Angeles
Jeremy Clarkson leads emotional tributes as BBC Top Gear legend dies aged 80
My 'sinus infection' turned out to be a one in a million nasal cancer at just 28
Toronto's Nylander out for Game 1 against Bruins
With college football drama behind him, Devontez Walker eager to show his talent with Baltimore
Gigi and Bella Hadid's Palestinian
Patti Smith reacts to Taylor Swift name
Aaron Brooks defeats wrestling gold medalist David Taylor, who loses his Olympic roster spot
It's 20 years since the last ever episode of Friends. But from body
Denis Bouanga's 2 goals help LAFC play Red Bulls to 2
Prostate cancer breakthrough means thousands of men could avoid devastating chemotherapy
Batman: Guardians slugger Josh Naylor celebrates his homer by striking himself on the helmet