Facing a Shark Attack: Peter Smith's Unforgettable Experience

Wed Feb 04 2026 17:12:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In his first interview, Peter Smith recounts the harrowing details of his shark attack in Tobago, how he fought back, and his inspiring outlook on life post-trauma.

Peter Smith's holiday in Tobago turned terrifying when he was bitten by a bull shark. In a vivid recounting, he shares his experience of the attack, the battle to survive in shallow waters, and how he is not letting fear dictate his life, even after significant injuries.

It was the last hour of the last day of Peter Smith's holiday in Tobago when he decided to take a dip in the sea. The conditions were perfect for a swim, recalls Peter, a retired IT director. I dived into the waves, swam out no more than 20 feet (6m), and stood waist-deep in the water.

Peter and his wife Joanna were on vacation with friends, not even considering the possibility of a shark attack, which is extremely rare in Tobago. Suddenly, he felt a heavy object hit his leg. Looking down, he saw a large bull shark, estimated to be about 10 feet long, clamped onto his leg. That’s when your brain works at 1,000 miles an hour, he said.

The bull shark is known for its aggression and hunting in shallow waters. In a shocking turn of events, Peter fought back by punching the shark, recalling, I can honestly say I've never hit anything as hard as I hit that shark. The attack escalated quickly, leaving him with deep lacerations to his stomach, a severe bite on one arm, and part of his upper thigh bitten off.

With the help of friends in the water who raised the alarm, Peter was rescued. He recalls the panic and chaos that ensued as he was pulled from the water, losing a significant amount of blood. His wife Joanna, alerted by their friends’ screams, rushed to his side, terrified by his injuries.

Peter was taken to the only hospital on Tobago, where doctors faced a critical situation—running out of blood for a transfusion. They decided he needed to be flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for specialized care. Over weeks, he underwent numerous operations, including one involving a membrane made from shark for a skin graft on his injured leg.

Despite his traumatic experience, Peter expresses gratitude for his mobility and his life. Although he faces ongoing challenges, including nerve damage from his injuries, he refuses to live in fear. At one stage, it looked like I wasn't going to have any limbs, he reflects.

Experts in shark behavior note that while bull sharks are known to be aggressive, fatal attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Peter does not want fear of sharks to tarnish the beauty of Tobago, stating, What's the point in surviving a shark attack if you're going to live the rest of your life in fear? He looks back fondly on the island and is grateful for the support he received during his ordeal.