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‘Exercise extreme caution’: Britons issued urgent Caribbean travel warning following shark attack

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8 months ago

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‘Exercise extreme caution’: Britons issued urgent Caribbean travel warning following shark attack

The Caribbean island of Tobago is a beautiful place to visit, famous for its white sand beaches and incredible forests. However, Britons planning on visiting the island have been issued a stark warning concerning their safety.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers that the Tobago authorities were forced to temporarily close Buccoo Reef Marine Park.

Britons were told: “Following a shark attack on a tourist at Turtle Beach/Courland Bay on April 26, 2024, 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 bull shark is ‘among the most likely sharks to attack humans’

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“The Tobago authorities strongly 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.”

Britons in Tobago were advised to check and follow the advice of local authorities.

This essential guidance comes as a British tourist was attacked by what appeared to be a bull shark, according to the Tobago House of Assembly. National Geographic said that a bull shark is “among the most likely sharks to attack humans”.

The attack took place 10 metres offshore at Great Courland Bay, also known as Turtle Beach. The 64-year-old is currently being treated for injuries to his left arm, left leg and stomach.

Tobago’s Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation released a statement in which they called the attack a “very unusual occurrence as Tobago is renowned for its safe and beautiful beaches”.

It added: “The division would also like to reassure the public that the safety of our visitors is a priority and all expertise is being engaged to ensure safety and manage this situation as best as possible.

“The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has also advised that beaches along the westerly end of the island be closed until further notice.”

All reef tours in the area are to be suspended until further notice too.

Beaches to close until further notice

Grafton Beach

Mt Irvine

Rocky Point

Buccoo Beach

Pigeon Point

Grange Bay

Store Bay

Swallows

No Man’s Land

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Tobago, Pigeon Point

Tobago is famed for its beautiful beaches

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The FCDO provided general travel advice for Britons visiting Trinidad and Tobago. It read: “No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

“Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

“If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”

For information on safety and security, including terrorism, crime, laws and cultural differences, transport risks and extreme weather/natural disasters, consult the FCDO.

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