The THA Chief Secretary has retracted an ad offering $10,000 for the capture of the shark responsible for today’s attack on a British tourist.

64-year-old Peter Smith suffered severe injuries after being bitten around 9:15am, about 10 metres from shore in the vicinity of the Starfish Hotel.

The Chief Secretary posted the bounty this afternoon, however it was criticized by many including the Council of Presidents of the Environment which called the move “ill-advised”.

The retraction was announced during a media briefing streamed on Facebook tonight.

The Chief Secretary also revealed that Mr Smith was taking one last swim in Tobago’s waters when he was attacked.

He was scheduled to leave the island with his family today.

He is said to be stable, sedated and warded in the ICU.

Mr Augustine says some reattachments have been done, however extensive additional medical work is needed.

Accommodations will be made for his family until such time that he is able to return to the UK.

All beaches between Plymouth and Store Bay were closed today following the incident.

The Chief Secretary says they will also remain closed tomorrow as officials continue their constant monitoring of the space.

According to Mr Augustine, the last sighting was in the Buccoo area late this evening.

He adds that TEMA will meet tomorrow with lifeguards, tour boat operators, fishermen and other stakeholders to discuss how future shark sightings or similar incidents can be dealt with.