Two American tourists were injured in an apparent shark attack on February 7, 2025, while swimming at Bimini Bay, a luxury resort area in the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time. The identities of the victims, both women, were not publicly released. Initial reports indicated that the women were swimming when the attack took place. Both victims received immediate treatment on-site before being airlifted to New Providence for further medical care.
One of the victims sustained serious injuries, though authorities did not specify the extent of the damage. The victims have since returned to the United States, where one is reported to have undergone multiple surgeries, including a third procedure in Orlando, Florida, to address severe leg injuries.
The Bahamas, a popular tourist destination, has seen relatively few shark attacks, with just 34 unprovoked incidents reported, according to the International Shark Attack File. In comparison, the United States has recorded over 1,600 shark attack reports. The recent incident follows another tragic event in the Bahamas in December 2024, when 44-year-old Lauren Erickson Van Wart, from Massachusetts, was killed by a shark while paddleboarding near a resort. The attack occurred nearly a mile from shore, and the resort expressed condolences to her family in the wake of the tragedy.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not immediately respond to requests for further comment, and investigations into the shark attack on the two women are ongoing. The victims’ families have requested privacy during this difficult time. The Bahamas continues to be a popular location for tourists seeking adventure, despite the rare occurrences of shark attacks.
