A Canadian woman suffered life-changing injuries after a terrifying shark attack in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The attack happened at Thompson’s Cove Beach in central Providenciales on the morning of Friday, February 7, 2025.
The woman was enjoying a vacation with her husband, Ralph Chevarie, when the shocking incident occurred. She had just left the beach to join Ralph in waist-deep, clear water when a 7-foot bull shark suddenly attacked. The predator first bumped into her legs, then circled back and bit her thigh.
As she tried to defend herself, raising her hands in front of her, the shark bit them off—one at the wrist and the other at mid-forearm. Ralph quickly rushed to her aid, bravely placing himself between her and the shark. He fought off the animal, allowing his wife to escape to shore before collapsing on the beach.
Immediate Medical Response
Onlookers quickly gathered to help the injured woman, using cloths to stop the bleeding. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and took her to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for urgent treatment. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later flown back to Canada by air ambulance for further surgeries and recovery.
Although she lost both hands, doctors were able to save her leg. The traumatic event has completely changed her life, and her family is now seeking financial support to help with medical costs and rehabilitation.
Fundraiser for the Victim
Al Chevarie, the brother-in-law of Ralph, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the couple. So far, the fundraiser has collected over CAD 23,000. Al described how Ralph, a retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran, had served in multiple countries, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Haiti. Now, he is asking for public support to help his family through this difficult time.
“This tragedy happened in an instant and has completely changed their lives,” Al shared. “Any contribution, no matter how small, will help them on their journey to recovery.”
Authorities and Safety Concerns
Initially, local officials suggested the woman had been trying to take a photo of the shark, but witnesses denied this, stating the attack was unprovoked. The authorities have since advised the public to stay out of the ocean for safety reasons.
Turks and Caicos waters are home to various shark species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks. However, global shark attacks have been lower than average in recent years, with only 47 unprovoked incidents recorded worldwide in 2024.
