In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves through the serene waters of the Bahamas, Shark attack claims life of American paddleboarder in Bahamas near a resort on New Providence Island. The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the victim’s life was cut short during what should have been a leisurely activity in the azure waters of this picturesque destination.
The incident unfolded shortly after 11:15 a.m. at a Sandals resort on the western side of New Providence Island. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed by the authorities, was enjoying a paddleboarding session approximately three-quarters of a mile away from the shoreline when the shark attack occurred.
Sgt. Desiree Ferguson, spokesperson for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, revealed, “According to initial reports, the female, along with a male relative, were paddleboarding just at the rear of a resort in western New Providence when she was bitten by the shark.”
A vigilant lifeguard witnessed the horrifying attack and immediately sprang into action, rushing to their aid aboard a rescue boat. CPR was administered to the victim, but the injuries sustained to her right side, including the right hip region and her upper limb, proved to be too severe. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and loved ones in profound grief.
The male relative accompanying her fortunately escaped unharmed.
Sandals, the resort where the incident occurred, expressed deep condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a guest while on a paddleboarding activity nearly a mile from the shore. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones. We remain in close contact with them and are providing all support possible during this difficult time.”
This unfortunate event marks the third fatal shark attack reported in the Bahamas within the past 15 months. In late November, a 47-year-old German tourist went missing after encountering a shark during a diving excursion off Grand Bahama, while a 58-year-old cruise ship passenger from Pennsylvania lost his life to a shark in September 2022 while snorkeling off New Providence.
The Bahamas, known for its more than 3,000 islands and a thriving tourism industry, typically enjoys a low incidence of shark attacks. According to the International Shark Attack File, maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, only 89 shark bites were recorded worldwide in the wild last year. The Bahamas, over centuries, has documented 33 unprovoked shark attacks, reflecting the rarity of such incidents.
As authorities launch an investigation into this heart-wrenching event, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety measures in coastal areas, even in idyllic settings like the Bahamas.