Man Fights Off Bull Shark Attack During Vacation Swim in Tobago

66-year-old Peter Smith recounts his harrowing experience and recovery after being bitten by a 10-foot bull shark while swimming in the Caribbean.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Peter Smith, a 66-year-old man from England, was on vacation with his wife in Tobago in April 2024 when he was attacked by a 10-foot bull shark while swimming in the ocean. Smith fought back against the shark, punching it repeatedly, but suffered deep lacerations to his legs, arm, and stomach before the shark finally retreated. He was rushed to the hospital in Tobago and later airlifted to Miami, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Though he had to relearn how to walk and still has no feeling in his fingers, Smith is grateful to have survived the attack, which was the first and only shark attack in Tobago's history.

Why it matters

Shark attacks, while rare, can have devastating consequences for victims. This incident highlights the potential dangers that tourists face when swimming in unfamiliar waters, and the importance of being prepared and knowing how to respond if attacked. It also underscores the need for effective emergency medical care and evacuation procedures in remote tourist destinations.

The details

According to the interview, Peter Smith was swimming about 20 feet from shore when he was suddenly attacked by the large bull shark. Despite suffering severe injuries, including deep bites to his legs, arm, and stomach, Smith fought back by punching the shark repeatedly until it retreated. His friends who were in the water with him also helped fend off the attack. Smith was then rushed to the only hospital in Tobago, but had to be airlifted to Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital for further treatment, as the local hospital had run out of blood. He underwent multiple surgeries, including having a shark membrane used in a skin graft on his leg. While Smith had to relearn how to walk, he is grateful to have survived the attack with all of his limbs intact, even though he still has no feeling in his fingers.

  • In April 2024, Peter Smith was on vacation in Tobago with his wife and friends.
  • The shark attack occurred while Smith was swimming in the ocean on the Caribbean island.

The players

Peter Smith

A 66-year-old man from England who was attacked by a bull shark while on vacation in Tobago.

Joanna Smith

Peter Smith's 64-year-old wife, who was with him on the vacation in Tobago.

John and Moira

Friends of the Smiths who were in the water with Peter when the shark attack occurred and helped fend off the shark.

Jackson Memorial Hospital

The hospital in Miami, Florida where Peter Smith was airlifted for further treatment after the shark attack.

International Shark Attack File

The organization that confirmed this was the first and only shark attack in Tobago's history.

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What they’re saying

“The conditions were perfect for a swim. I dived into the waves, swam out no more than 20 feet, and stood waist-deep in the water.”

— Peter Smith (BBC)

“I look down, and there's a shark - and it's big.”

— Peter Smith (BBC)

“I start punching the shark. To be honest, I don't know what I was trying to do, but I was hitting it. I can honestly say I've never hit anything as hard as I hit that shark.”

— Peter Smith (BBC)

“I remember going into the water and seeing his terrible injuries. I could see bones, it was just awful. And somebody said, 'Get her away from here.'”

— Joanna Smith, Peter Smith's wife (BBC)

“I'm screaming, I'm crying, losing a lot of blood and losing consciousness. People are screaming at me to stay awake.”

— Peter Smith (BBC)

What’s next

Peter Smith continues to recover from his injuries and is working to regain full function in his hand and fingers. The International Shark Attack File will continue to monitor any future shark incidents in Tobago.

The takeaway

This harrowing shark attack serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that tourists face when swimming in unfamiliar waters, and the importance of being prepared and knowing how to respond if attacked. It also highlights the critical need for effective emergency medical care and evacuation procedures in remote tourist destinations.