Shark Injures 2 American Tourists in Bahamas

Published: 2/11/2025, 11:23:26 PM EST

Shark Injures 2 American Tourists in Bahamas — Bull shark in a file photo. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Two American women on vacation in the Bahamas were bitten by a shark and needed to be airlifted for their injuries, police said.

The incident occurred in the Bimini islands, on Feb. 7, around 6:30 p.m., the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a news release.

Initial reports from the police indicate that the two women, both U.S. nationals, were swimming in the waters at Bimini Bay, 50 miles off the coast of Florida, when they were attacked by a shark.

Both sustained injuries and received first aid at a local clinic before being airlifted to New Providence in Nassau island for further medical attention.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, one of the women suffered serious injuries.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not immediately respond to questions from NTD.

Just last week, a 17-year-old Australian girl lost her life after being bitten by a shark at Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, Australia. A month earlier, a 28-year-old surfer went missing in South Australia at the same location where another person was killed by a great white shark in 2023.

Though the risk of shark attacks remains low—with roughly one in 11.5 million chance of being bitten according to National Geographic—the overall numbers of attacks have been rising steadily over the last hundred years.

The Florida Museum attributes this increase largely to growing human population and rising popularity of fishing, diving, boating, and other watersports.

According to the museum, the majority of shark-attack victims are what it calls “surface recreationists”—surfers, water skiers, water-boarders, rafters, followed by swimmers and people snorkeling. Divers are at surprisingly lower risk.

To mitigate risks, the museum advises swimmers to stay in groups, as sharks are more likely to attack solitary individuals. It is also advised to stay close to the shore.

Sharks have an extraordinary sense of smell—it is one of their most effective hunting tools—so never go into the water when you are bleeding, even if it’s just a small cut on your fingers. Menstruating women are also advised to stay out of the water.

Avoid going into the water at twilight or at night, when sharks are most active. Wearing shiny jewelry is another bad idea, as the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales and may lure nearby sharks.

However, should a shark decide to charge you, keep in mind that humans cannot outswim a shark.

“Hitting a shark on the nose, ideally with an inanimate object, usually results in the shark temporarily curtailing its attack,” the museum said. “Try to get out of the water at this time.”

“If a shark actually bites, we suggest clawing at its eyes and gill openings, two sensitive areas. You should not act passively if under attack as sharks respect size and power.”