Two American tourists were injured in a shark attack while swimming at Bimini Bay, a popular resort in the Bahamas, on Friday evening (February 7). The women, both residents of the United States, were swimming when they were attacked, with one suffering serious injuries. They were airlifted to New Providence for advanced medical care after receiving initial treatment at a local clinic.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force in Bimini has launched an investigation into the incident. According to local reports, the police stated, “Initial reports indicate that the victims, both U.S.A. residents, sustained injuries while swimming in the waters at Bimini Bay. One of the victim’s injuries is listed as serious. Investigations are ongoing.”
The Bahamas has recorded numerous shark attacks over the years, with swimmers and waders making up 43 percent of victims globally in 2022. Gavin Naylor, program director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida, explained that the presence of tourists swimming and diving with sharks can make the animals less cautious. He noted that sharks often bite humans accidentally, mistaking them for other prey.
This incident follows a fatal shark attack in December 2023, when a Boston tourist, Lauren Erickson Van Wart, died while paddleboarding in the Bahamas. She was attacked less than a mile off the western end of New Providence island. The Royal Bahamas Police Force continues to investigate the recent attack to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Recent Comments