Providenciales - For a Canadian tourist on the Caribbean Turks and Caicos Islands, her dream vacation turned into an unimaginable nightmare. While swimming, she fatally came too close to a shark.

The shocking incident occurred at around 10.30am (local time) on Friday at Thompson's Cove Beach in Providenciales, according to theDaily Mail.

The 55-year-old woman was only a few meters from the shore when she suddenly spotted a shark. According to reports, she tried to take a photo of the animal - then the shark bit her.

It attacked again and again while the victim's husband desperately tried to fend it off. Finally, they managed to put the predator to flight.

The woman dragged herself back ashore, having lost both hands in the brutal attack. Her husband and other beach guests immediately tried to stop the bleeding.

When the emergency services finally arrived, they took the seriously injured woman to the nearest hospital. There, one arm had to be amputated at wrist level and the other in the middle of the forearm.

It is not yet clear exactly which species of shark was involved. However, it is assumed that it could have been a bull shark, as these are considered a more aggressive species.

Nevertheless, such attacks are rather rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, there was only one incident in the vacation paradise last year, but it had a mild outcome.