Maldives shark attack: Shocking video shows tiger shark trying to bite off diver’s head

The terrifying moment a shark tried to bite a diver’s head off in a popular tourist destination has been captured on video.

The footage, filmed in popular tourist hotspot The Maldives, shows the diver in the water as the large tiger shark heads towards them.

The diver is understood to be a female tourist from China.

The frightening video shows the shark clamp its jaws around the woman’s head.

It held on for a brief few seconds — but for what must have seemed like an eternity for the unsuspecting tourist.

WATCH THE FOOTAGE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

She managed to shake herself free and the massive shark seemingly lost interest, swimming away.

The woman’s lucky escape didn’t come without injury though — she reportedly required 40 stitches to deep lacerations at the back of her head.

The Maldives is a stunning tourist destination south-west of India in the Indian Ocean.

The tropical hotspot is warm all year round, with water temperatures typically ranging from 26C to 30C.

That climate, combined with the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, makes it a perfect spot for diving — if you can steer clear of the sharks.