A MUM was killed after her leg was ripped off by a shark as she swam her five-year-old daughters to safety off a Mexican beach.
Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, 26, was just 65 feet from shore when she was mauled by the beast on Melaque Beach in Jalisco state.
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Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, 26, died after being bitten by a shark
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Horrified onlookers helped the mother to shore before she died from blood loss
The tourist was treated as rescue teams rushed to the scene after the attack on Saturday.
The graphic footage appears to show Maria lying on the sand as horrified onlookers gather around her.
Beachgoers could be heard shouting “she’s lost her leg” as they waited for an ambulance.
Despite the quick response of paramedics, she died of blood loss from the large bite she received.
Maria’s daughter miraculously escaped injury even though she was next to her in the water on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
She helped the child to safety by placing her on a floating play platform after realizing she was in danger, according to local reports.
The organizers canceled the swimming race that was supposed to take place in the same waters.
Local authorities have issued a warning to locals and visitors to stay away from the water following the tragedy.
Well-wishers left flowers for the victim on a makeshift altar set up on the beach where she died.
Civil Protection workers and firefighters in the municipality of Cihuatlan said: “Our officers were conducting support activities while swimming in the bay when they received a report of a person who was having trouble getting out of the sea.
“When they reached the area, they discovered a woman who was lifeless with one leg amputated, apparently from a shark attack.”
Cihuatlan’s municipal administration said in a follow-up message: “After a terrible incident on one of our beaches, our priority is to guarantee the safety and well-being of all our citizens.
“For this reason, we have adopted the precautionary measure of banning access to the beaches until further notice.
“We are working in cooperation with the relevant authorities to assess the situation and take the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of our beaches.”
Maria was a former student of marine biology at the University of Guadalajara.
In a tribute on Facebook, university leaders said: “We extend our condolences on this irreparable loss.”
The former student at the University of Guadalajara added alongside Maria’s photo: “I want to express my condolences, affection and support to Maria’s family after her death.
“I follow this wonderful family that I feel as my own in their pain and anguish. I’m with you. Rest in peace Mary.”
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education