British tourists have received an urgent travel warning from the UK Foreign Office.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said vacationers traveling to the Caribbean that authorities in Tobago were forced to temporarily close a marine park due to a shark attack.
The British Foreign Office warned: “Following a shark attack on a tourist at Turtle Beach/Courland Bay on April 26, 2024, Tobago authorities have temporarily closed Buccoo Reef Marine Park until further notice.
“This closure is effective immediately and applies to all recreational activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours, and all other water activities within the park boundaries.
“Tobago authorities strongly advise all swimmers, fishermen 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. “
A British tourist was attacked by what appeared to be an 8-10 foot bull shark, according to the Tobago House of Assembly.
National Geographic has stated that the bull shark is “among the sharks most likely to attack humans.”
The Tobago Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport Division said: “The division also wishes to reassure the public that the safety of our visitors is a priority and that all expertise is being mobilized to ensure the safety and manage this situation as best as possible.
“The Tobago Emergency Management Agency also advised that beaches on the western end of the island would be closed until further notice.”
All reef tours in the area must also be suspended until further notice.
He also said the attack was a “very unusual event as Tobago is renowned for its beautiful and safe beaches.”
Closed beaches include Grafton Beach and Mt Irvine as well as Rocky Point, Buccoo Beach and Pigeon Point. Other closed beaches include Grange Bay, Store Bay and Swallows alongside No Man's Land.
