Horrific images of tourist destination's first fatal shark attack

WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT: A tourist has died after being attacked by a 2.5-metre tiger shark in a popular snorkelling spot off the coast of a Caribbean island.

The 56-year-old victim, identified by local media as Antonio Roseto Degli Abruzzi, was reportedly swimming in an area called La Piscinita on the Colombian island of San Andres on Friday when the shark latched onto his leg.

The Italian tourist initially survived the attack and was taken to hospital, but he went into hypovolemic shock due to severe blood loss and died, according to reports. The man had lost a large chunk of his right thigh.

It's believed to be the first ever attack in the area which has left people "surprised" and"very worried," diving instructor Mirla Zambrano, 50, told The Daily Star.

"After coming back towards the shore, he began to shout out for help and was surrounded by blood," a witness said, according to the publication.

It's believed Mr Abruzzi was "a good swimmer" and he had been in the water for some time when the shark attacked.

• Tradie bitten by shark after being in the water 'for a minute'

• Diver's incredible reaction after shark races up under her: 'Very fast'

• Fisherman stunned by monster sea creature: 'One of the biggest I've seen'

There were a few swimmers in the area at the time of the attack, AFP reported, citing local media. A local newspaper described the incident as "unusual and tragic" on Twitter.

Tiger sharks are the second most deadly shark after great whites although fatal incidents involving humans are still rare.

Following the incident, video emerged on Twitter showing local authorities attempting to get all remaining swimmers out of the water.

Two sharks were later seen circulating the area with a video shared on Twitter by The Archipielago Press.

"These two ocelot sharks are the two sharks that this afternoon attacked a foreign tourist in the La Piscinita sector, causing his death," the caption read.

"In the last two weeks, sharks have appeared in shallow waters north and south of San Andrés."

Woman bravely fights off shark with her fists

This latest incident comes as a brave woman fought off a shark with her fists after it latched onto her foot and dragged her underwater.

Heather West, 35, from Texas was swimming with friends in the stunning waters of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, US, when she felt something "snatch" her foot as she was heading back towards the shore.

Ms West detailed the terrifying incident earlier this year on TikTok in a series of clips that have now attracted millions of views.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.