The American tourists were swimming off Bimini Bay – a popular Bahamas resort – on Friday evening when they were set upon by the beast, with one reportedly suffering serious injuries
Two women swimming at a tourist hotspot in the Bahamas had to be airlifted to a nearby island for “advanced medical care” after they were mauled in a horror shark attack.
The American tourists were swimming off Bimini Bay – a popular Bahamas resort – on Friday evening when they were set upon, with one reported to have suffered serious injuries. The pair were airlifted to the island of New Providence where they received treatment, according to local media.
An investigation has now been launched into the incident by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Bimini. The force said: “Initial reports indicate that the victims, both USA residents, sustained injuries while swimming in the waters at Bimini Bay. One of the victim’s injuries is listed as serious. Investigations are ongoing.”
There have been dozens of reported shark attacks in the Bahamas over the years. The majority of victims are swimmers and waders (43%), followed by paddle boarders and other boarders (35%) in 2022.
Gavin Naylor, program director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida, said following a fatal shark attack that masses of tourists swim in the water and many visitors want to view sharks from a fishing boat – or even dive with them. He said: “So the sharks get acclimated, and the animals are a little bit less cautious than they otherwise might be”.
He added that sharks often bite people accidentally thinking “it’s something else,” as humans are not natural prey for sharks. It comes after a woman from Boston, USA, died while paddle boarding in the Bahamas in December 2023.
The tourist, identified as 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart, was mauled less than a mile off the western end of New Providence island, according to police.
The newlywed tragically succumbed to the serious injuries she sustained to the right side of her body and was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency service crews attempted CPR.
“Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched,” Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates where Lauren worked, said in a statement at the time.
“Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.”