Hannah Smith, 22, lost both her legs after being sucked into a boat propeller while on a dream holiday to the Bahamas and has undergone 26 surgeries in the past six weeks
A 22-year-old woman who had both of her legs torn off after being sucked into a boat’s propeller has endured a “rough” few days as she prepares for her 27th surgery.
University graduate Hannah Smith was celebrating graduating with top honours for her arts degree at Miles College, Alabama when the tragic accident happened in the Bahamas. Hannah fell from the side of a pontoon boat as it was docking and was suddenly dragged beneath the water by its propeller, leaving her with catastrophic injuries and partially severed legs.
Hannah remains in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Miami six weeks on from the horrific incident and has undergone 26 surgeries. More are planned in the future, according to her devastated sister Rachel, who has been by her bedside since the tragedy last month.
In an update posted on Friday on a GoFundMe page set up to cover the mounting medical bills, Rachel said: “Please keep Hannah Banana in your thoughts and prayers. 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.”
After falling into the water and being sucked into the boat’s propeller, Hannah was saved by two passengers who managed to grab her arm and pull her back on board. She was then given emergency first aid by the strangers before being airlifted to hospital.
In another update posted on June 12, Rachel said the recovery process has been extremely difficult. “Hannah continues to display strength. She will be undergoing her 22nd surgery tomorrow. People are asking for updates but please keep in mind, as virtue of being in ICU, she still requires intensive care,” the heartbroken sister said.
“These surgeries have required her to need more blood, plasma, fluids and medications to regulate other systems. Through the pain and suffering, God has given her a will like non other. She is grateful for your prayers and support. The journey this far has been difficult to say the least. Hannah was just made aware of the death of a beloved uncle, making the situation strenuous. Please continue to pray for our family. Thank you for all the love and support.”
Hannah’s family describe her as a crossfit-loving athlete who is a keen cheerleader, footballer and track runner. “We’re trying to keep her spirits up,” mum Tracy told the Mirror. “She’s in a lot of pain. We’re trying to practise techniques to distract her from it. Encourage her and just try to keep her pushing forward.”
The Royal Bahamas Police said an investigation into the freak accident was ongoing, adding in a statement: “The victim is alleged to have entered the water from a vessel she was a passenger on while it was attempting to dock. She sustained serious injuries to her lower body, caused by the vessel’s propeller.”