A British tourist seriously injured in a shark attack off the coast of Tobago is now aware and able to communicate, according to his wife. Peter Smith, 64, from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, remains in intensive care after the attack on Friday morning.
Mr Smith was swimming approximately 10 metres from the shore near the Starfish hotel in Courland Bay when he was attacked by a bull shark. He suffered damage to his left arm and leg, puncture wounds to his abdomen, and injuries to his right hand. Doctors are still evaluating the full extent of his injuries.
Following surgery, Mr Smith is in a stable condition at Scarborough General Hospital. His wife, Joanna, said in a statement: 'As of 9am local time today, Peter is aware of what is happening and is able to communicate a little, although he is still under strong medication.'
Mrs Smith also thanked two friends who remained in the water during the attack to 'battle' the shark, estimated to be between 8 and 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. The couple had been holidaying with friends and were due to fly home on the day of the attack.
In response to the incident, several beaches and coastal areas were closed. A TT$10,000 (£1,175) bounty previously offered for the capture of the shark was later retracted. According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 69 unprovoked shark attacks and 22 provoked bites worldwide last year, along with 14 fatalities.
