Tobago closes beaches and marine park following shark attack on Brit
Harry KembleA marine park in Tobago has been temporarily closed following a shark attack on a 64-year-old British man, which also resulted in the temporary closure of several beaches.
The Buccoo Reef Marine Park closure affects all recreational activities within the park boundaries.
The country’s authorities advised all beachgoers to “exercise extreme caution” when in coastal areas on the Caribbean island. Brits in the area are being urged to follow the advice of local authorities.
Peter Smith, 64, was attacked by a bull shark in Courland Bay on Friday (26 April), the Tobago House of Assembly said. He is reportedly now in a stable condition in the island’s Scarborough General Hospital.
According to reports, his wife Jo said her husband is “aware of what is happening and is able to communicate a little”. She also thanked “the wonderfully kind people of Tobago for all their help and support”.
Tobago – the smaller of the two islands of Trinidad and Tobago – is located in the southern Caribbean around 74 miles off the coast of South America.
The FCDO’s updated advice reads: "Following a shark attack on a tourist at Turtle Beach/Courland Bay on 26 April, the Tobago authorities have temporarily closed the Buccoo Reef Marine Park (BRMP) until further notice.
"This closure is effective immediately and applies to all recreational activities, including snorkelling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and any other water-based activities within the park boundaries.
"The Tobago authorities advise all beachgoers, fisherfolk, and mariners to exercise extreme caution when operating in the coastal areas surrounding Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay and all areas in between.
"You should check and follow the advice of local authorities."
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