A mother lost her life when a shark ripped off her leg when she was swimming off a beach in Mexico with her five-year-old kid.
At Melaque Beach in the state of Jalisco, Maria Fernandez Martinez Jimenez, 26, was mauled by the beast only 65 feet from the coast.
Rescue workers raced to the area after the incident on Saturday and assisted the visitor in getting to safety.
Maria appeared to be seen lying on the sand in graphic footage while frightened bystanders gathered around her.
Shouts from beachgoers saying “she’s lost her leg” could be heard while they awaited the arrival of rescue personnel.
Despite the paramedics’ prompt action, she lost too much blood due to the severe bite wound she sustained.
Encountering the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Maria’s daughter miraculously avoided harm while being next to her in the ocean.
When she realized the child was in danger, she guided her to safety by getting her onto a floating play platform, according to accounts from the area.
The swimming competition was postponed because it would be held in the same waters.
In the wake of the disaster, local authorities have warned residents and tourists to avoid the water.
Wellwishers left flowers for the victim at a makeshift altar put on the beach at the spot where she died.
Civil Protection workers and firefighters in the municipality of Cihuatlan said: “Our officials were carrying out support activities during a swimming event in the bay when they received reports of a person who was having problems getting out of the sea.
“When they reached the area they discovered a woman who was lifeless with one of her legs amputated, apparently following a shark attack.”
Cihuatlan’s municipal government said in a subsequent message: “Following the terrible incident off one of our beaches, our priority is guaranteeing the safety and wellbeing of all our citizens.
“That’s why we’ve decided on a precautionary measure of banning access to beaches until further notice.
“We are working in collaboration with the appropriate authorities to evaluate the situation and take the necessary measures to guarantee security on our beaches.”
Maria was a former marine biology student at the University of Guadalajara.
In a tribute on Facebook, university chiefs said: “We express our condolences following this irreparable loss.”
A former University of Guadalajara student added alongside a photo of Maria: “I want to express my condolences, affection and support for Maria’s family following her death.
“I am accompanying this wonderful family I feel as my own in their pain and anguish. I am with you. Rest in peace Maria.”
