Bimini, Bahamas – Two American women were injured in what authorities suspect was a shark attack while swimming in the waters off Bimini, Bahamas, on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time in the bay of Bimini, a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches and sport fishing.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is currently investigating the reported attack. According to their statement, the women were swimming when they were attacked and sustained injuries. They received initial treatment at a local clinic before being airlifted to a hospital in New Providence for further medical attention. One of the women suffered what police described as "serious" injuries.

Shark attacks, while alarming, are relatively rare in the Bahamas. According to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum, there have been 34 recorded unprovoked shark attacks in the Bahamas since 1580. This ranks the Bahamas ninth among all countries monitored, with the United States leading with 1,640 cases, followed by Australia with 706 and South Africa with 262.

However, this recent incident marks at least the third reported shark attack involving American tourists in the Bahamas since 2023:

In January 2024, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten while participating in a shark tank excursion at a resort on Paradise Island.

In December 2023, a 44-year-old woman from Boston was fatally attacked by a shark while paddleboarding near a resort.

These incidents have raised concerns about water safety in popular tourist areas of the Bahamas. Authorities are urging visitors to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when swimming or participating in water activities.