Hours after a bull shark mauled a British tourist, officials on the island of Tobago issued a TT$10,000 (nearly US$1,500) reward for the successful capture of the predator on Saturday (April 27). 

While it is unclear how the capture would unfold given the aquatic limitations, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), the governing body of the tourism-dependent island, said that the bounty is open to all fisherfolk registered to operate in the waters of the twin-island republic. 

📷Calling all REGISTERED fishermen!📷
Mobilise your crew!
The THA is offering a 10K reward for the successful capture of the shark involved in today’s attack at Turtle Beach. pic.twitter.com/7SHbRoen0M

— TTT Live Online (@tttliveonline) April 26, 2024

The victim, 64-year-old British national Peter Smith, remains in critical condition following the Friday morning shark attack some 10 metres from the Turtle Beach shoreline. 

According to Trinibagonian reports, Smith, who was staying at the nearby Starfish Resort, was wading in the water in preparation to check out as he was due to depart the island later that day. 

In the aftermath of the shark attack, Smith lost his “left hand from the elbow down, left thigh” and suffered lacerations to his stomach. 

A 64 year old British tourist identified as Peter Smith was attacked by a shark in Tobago at around 9:15am on Friday. His left arm was severed from the elbow down, left thigh severed and he received larcerations to the stomach. The incident occurred at Turtle Beach. pic.twitter.com/R8tkvRt7zB

— TTT Live Online (@tttliveonline) April 26, 2024

The Briton was rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery.

The Trinidad Guardian further noted that Smith remains in stable condition as of Saturday morning, and is expected to be transferred to mainland Trinidad for additional treatment.