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American teen severely injured in shark attack recovery update

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Michelle

Certified Belize Specialist

A rare event happened on August 6 near Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Annabelle Carlson (15) was attacked by a Caribbean Reef Shark (the odds of being attacked by a shark is 1 in 11.5 million). The incident occurred after she completed a dive with Belize Pro Dive Center and re-entered the water for quick swim.

A message from Annabelle’s family on her gofundme page states, “the moment she hit the water, a 6ft reef shark attacked her.” Annabelle was immediately taken to the Coast Guard Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Calabash Caye then airlifted to Belize Healthcare Partners in Belize City. From there, she was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial in Miami. 

Photo credit: Hot off the Press – Belize

At Jackson, surgeons were able to repair both of Annabelle’s hands — she is currently recovering in pediatric ICU and will have another procedure done on her right leg Tuesday, August 13.

Belize Live News reported mating season is a possible factor as this area is known to be a crucial site for female Caribbean Reef Sharks – MAR Alliance conducts much of their behavioral monitoring research at this site.

Diving with sharks can be an exhilarating experience and is considered safer than driving a car. But like everything in life, some risks do exist.  With that said, here are a few tips on careful preparation and respect for these powerful creatures. 

Tips to keep in mind when diving

  1. Choose a Reputable Dive Operator – Ensure the dive operator has experience with shark dives and adheres to safety standards. Belize Pro Dive Center is Gold Standard Certified by the Belize Tourism Board.
  2. Stay Calm and Relaxed – Sharks are sensitive to body language. Move smoothly and avoid sudden movements that could startle them.
  3. Avoid Feeding Sharks – Feeding can alter shark behavior and increase the risk of aggressive encounters. It’s best to observe them in their natural state. 
  4. Follow Dive Guide’s Instructions – Your dive guide is experienced with shark behavior and the local environment. Always listen to and follow their directions.
  5. Avoid Wearing Bright Colors or Shiny Objects – Sharks are attracted to bright and shiny objects, which can resemble fish scales. Wear neutral-colored dive gear.
  6. Do Not Touch or Harass Sharks  – Respect the sharks and their space. Touching or provoking them can lead to aggressive behavior.
  7. Understand Shark Behavior – Learn about the specific species you’ll encounter. Different sharks have different behaviors and tolerances towards divers. (see below)

  8. Do Not Panic if a Shark Approaches – If a shark swims toward you, remain calm, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away if needed. Avoid turning your back on the shark.

Sharks you will likely see in Belize

There are at least seven sharks that call the waters in Belize home. Although television/cable programs and movies (Jaws, Shark Week) have given them a bad reputation, when it comes to diving, sharks are the favorite and most sought after to swim with. When respected, sharks make great diving companions. Below are the species of sharks divers are most likely to see in Belize. 

1) Nurse Sharks

Nurse sharks are also known as ‘the couch potatoes of the shark world’. They are huge, slow-moving beasts that love to rest on the ocean floor. You can spot nurse sharks in Belize all year round, so be sure to bring your diving camera!

2) Reef Sharks

The Caribbean reef shark is a beautiful species of shark that looks very similar to its cousin, the great white shark. Although there are several different species of reef sharks, you’re most likely to see the Caribbean reef shark in the waters surrounding Belize.

3) Black Tip Sharks

Black Tip Sharks are smaller than some other species of sharks, but they’re phenomenal hunters and swimmers. Their favorite food is shrimp. Unfortunately, black tip sharks are one of the most popular species of sharks for hunting for food and recreation and are nearing extinction. If you do come across a black tip shark on your dive, treat it with respect and appreciate it from afar.

4) Lemon Sharks

Lemon sharks are named for their beautiful brownish-yellow hue that reminds divers of a lemon. They are huge and majestic creatures that can grow up to 10 feet long! During the day you can expect to see lemon sharks lazing about the bottom of the ocean floor like their cousin the nurse shark. At night these sharks are up and active.

5) Hammerhead Sharks

While there are several species of hammerhead sharks, they’re all very easily identifiable by the flattened shape of their head and the spacing of their eyes. The largest hammerhead shark, the great hammerhead, can grow up to six meters in length and can weigh up to 600lbs.

6) Bull Sharks

Bull Sharks are appropriately named as they are large, strong, wide, and are known to be grouchy. They are different from any other shark in the world because they can actually live in freshwater for prolonged periods of time without experiencing damage. Fortunately, bull sharks are not known to come near divers. They love to eat fish, turtles, birds, and other species of sharks.

7) Whale Sharks

Whale sharks get their name from being the largest shark and the largest fish alive today. These sharks are easy to identify because of their beautiful patterned skin as well as their unbelievable mass.

If you would like to donate and keep up with Annabelle’s healing journey, visit her gofundme page.  
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