American teenager Sofia Carlson tragically lost one of her legs during a harrowing diving expedition in Central America. The terrifying incident occurred when she was attacked by a shark while exploring the waters near Halfmoon Caye in the beautiful Gulf of Honduras.
Admiral Elton Bennett of the Belize Coast Guard said “It was her right leg that received a bite from the shark, So, she lost her right leg.”
It’s not clear what species of shark was involved
Carlson seemingly embarked on an exciting expedition with Belize Dive Pro, a renowned diving company, to the breathtaking Lighthouse Reef. Situated approximately 50 miles to the south of Belize City, this prominent Caribbean dive site is famous for its vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes, making it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience.
According to Bennett’s detailed account of the incident, the vigilant tour operators sprang into action when Carlson found herself in distress in the ocean and promptly rescued her from the turbulent waters. They efficiently transported her to a nearby Coast Guard post, where skilled officers immediately provided her with stabilizing medical care before arranging for her urgent airlift to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
He said “She’s stable and she’s recovering at this time,”
“An unfortunate situation.”
It still remains unclear about the specific type of shark that was involved in the incident. During an announcement on Wednesday, Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of the Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, expressed his sentiment, referring to the occurrence as “an unfortunate situation” that requires thorough investigation to ascertain further details and ensure appropriate preventive measures are put in place.
Perez also added “I want to say that this is perhaps the first time ever that we recorded an attack, as such, We are very saddened by it, but I want to highlight that this is something that is very rare.”
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