Heartbreaking update after tourist, 22, has legs torn off by boat propeller in horror accident
The young woman has had over 20 surgeries since the tragic accident
Niamh Shackleton
A student who was left critically injured after a boat accident is facing issues amid her ongoing road to recovery.
Back in May, Hannah Smith, 22, was on a cruise in the Bahamas with her friend when she fell off the vessel and was sucked underneath it as it tried to dock.
Hannah's legs have been left partially severed because of the tragic accident and she had to be rushed back home to the US for urgent medical attention.
Police said in a statement at the time of accident: "The victim is alleged to have entered the water from a vessel she was a passenger on while it was attempting to dock.
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"She sustained serious injuries to her lower body, caused by the vessel’s propeller."
A GoFundMe has since been created for Hannah by her sister where her loved ones have been giving updates on the young woman's progress.
The fundraiser has a target of $250,000 and so far over $53,000 has been raised.
The bio of the page describes Hannah as 'light' and 'love'. "Our little sister is nothing short of a headache but we wouldn’t want her any other way," her sibling Rachel goes on to write. "She is literally the strongest of us all."
Rachel posted the most recent update about Hannah's recovery yesterday (June 20), where she shared some bad news.
Urging people to keep Hannah in their thoughts and prayers, Rachel said: "The past few days have been pretty rough. She was scheduled to undergo her 27/28th surgery today. However, due to multiple complications, surgeons were unable to proceed.
"She's currently undergoing needed lab work, tests and procedures to assist with her comfort, control pain, remedy certain issues and prepare for additional surgeries.
"Anyone who's ever been in an ICU knows that some days are better than others. Yesterday and today have not been the best days. Please keep her lifted in prayer. As always, thank you for your positive thoughts, prayers, love and support."
Per the GoFundMe page, Hannah underwent her 22nd surgery on June 13. The ongoing procedures she's had have meant that Hannah's needed 'more blood, plasma, fluids and medications to regulate other systems'.
"The journey this far has been difficult to say the least," the update shared on June 12 said.
Making matters worse, the family have suffered a recent bereavement, which Hannah was informed about earlier this month.
Rachel said of this: "Hannah was just made aware of the death of a beloved uncle, making the situation strenuous."