A terrifying shark attack unfolded in front of horrified holidaymakers at a popular beach in Phang Nga, Thailand.
Elke Maier, a 57-year-old German tourist, was swimming just off the coast of her hotel when a shark bit into her leg.
The incident, which took place on November 29, sent shockwaves through the area as tourists watched in horror.
A Vicious Attack
Maier screamed in pain as the shark clamped its teeth into her left leg, creating a massive wound about 12 inches long.
Blood poured from the injury, prompting nearby tourists to rush to her aid, helping her back to shore.
Emergency services quickly responded, taking her to a local hospital before transferring her to a larger medical facility in Phuket for immediate surgery.
Maier’s condition has improved since the attack, and doctors are preparing for another surgery as part of her recovery process.
The Shark Behind the Attack
Authorities have confirmed that a Bull Shark, estimated to be about 5 feet long, was responsible for the attack.
Marine experts believe the shark may have mistaken Maier’s legs for prey while swimming close to the ocean floor.
The shark released her quickly after the bite, suggesting it wasn’t hunting humans.
Local police and conservationists are determined to track down the shark and relocate it to prevent further incidents.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described the shark as about 5 feet long and noted that it swam off into deeper waters after the attack.
Some onlookers reported hearing people shout “shark, shark!” as they helped Maier.
Friedrich Bach, another German tourist, recounted the chaotic scene, saying, “I could hear shouting and people helping a woman.”
Lifeguard Athit Pinyo, who was nearby, rushed to the scene to assist Maier.
He described the wound as deep and consistent with a shark bite, noting that the water where Maier was swimming seemed safe, only about chest-deep at the time.
Addressing Public Concerns
Local tourism officials are working quickly to manage the situation and maintain the area’s reputation as a popular vacation destination.
Warnings have been issued to hotels, water sports operators, and surf schools in the region, and discussions are underway to implement measures that will protect tourists from future shark encounters.
Lertsak Ponklin, head of the Phang Nga Tourism Business Association, stressed the importance of studying shark behavior and ensuring the safety of visitors in the future.
The region, which borders the Andaman Sea and stretches into the Bay of Bengal, is home to several species of sharks, including Bull Sharks, Reef Sharks, and Tiger Sharks.
While attacks on humans are rare, officials are determined to ensure that tourists feel safe on the beaches.
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