Two American Women Injured in Shark Attack in Bahamas

BIMINI, Bahamas — Two American women were injured in an alleged shark attack while swimming off Bimini Bay, a popular tourist destination in the western Bahamas, on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time, according to local authorities.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the women sustained injuries while swimming in the waters near Bimini, which is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant fishing community. Both women initially received medical treatment at a nearby clinic before being airlifted to a hospital in New Providence for further care.

One of the victims has been described as suffering from serious injuries, though specific details about their conditions remain unclear as police continue their investigation into the incident. CNN has contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force for additional comments.

Shark attacks in the Bahamas are rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, only 34 confirmed attacks have been recorded in the country since 1580, ranking the Bahamas ninth among the nations tracked for shark encounters, with the United States leading at 1,640 recorded cases.

Despite the rarity of unprovoked shark attacks, last week’s incident marks at least the third reported case involving American tourists in the Bahamas since 2023. In December 2023, an American tourist was fatally attacked while paddleboarding near a beach resort. Then, in January 2024, another American from Maryland was bitten while taking part in a shark tank expedition at a resort on Paradise Island.

The Bahamas has one of the highest rates of shark attacks globally, but statistics indicate that fatal encounters are relatively uncommon. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as they gather more information regarding this latest incident.