American tourists felt ‘nudge’ before shark attack at popular Bahamas resort

Last weekend, a harrowing and terrifying shark attack unfolded in the crystal-clear waters of Bimini Bay at a popular Bahamas beach resort, leaving two American tourists injured but grateful to be alive. The women, aged 24 and 20, had just begun their vacation when the unthinkable happened. The incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. on February 7, while the pair was swimming near a boat, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal, one that would leave both women forever changed.

The two friends, who had been looking forward to their dream vacation, were enjoying the pristine waters of the Bahamas when the attack occurred. They had jumped into the sea from a boat, unaware of the danger lurking beneath the surface. The first sign of trouble came when the 20-year-old woman felt something nudge her leg. Thinking little of it, she continued swimming. But approximately two minutes later, as they were near the boat’s ladder, her leg was suddenly tugged downward with force. “I immediately knew I was bitten by a shark,” she recounted in an emotional interview with NBC’s Today. Her friend, the 24-year-old, also felt the terror firsthand, describing how her foot was shredded in the attack. Despite the chaos, both women managed to stay conscious and alert, thanks in part to their quick-thinking friends and family who pulled them to safety.

The women were attacked by what appeared to be a bull shark, a species known for its aggressive behavior in shallow, coastal waters. The injuries were severe, with the 24-year-old suffering significant damage to her foot. In the aftermath of the attack, the group acted swiftly to stabilize the victims. A tourniquet was applied to one of the women’s legs to control the bleeding, and they raced to find medical help. First responders arrived quickly and transported the pair to a local clinic for initial treatment. From there, they were airlifted to a hospital on New Providence Island, about 185 miles off the coast of Miami. Once their conditions stabilized, they were flown to an Orlando, Florida, hospital, where the 20-year-old underwent two surgeries and is expected to have a third. Both women are expected to make a full recovery, though the emotional scars of the incident may linger.

This incident is the latest in a string of shark attacks reported in the Bahamas over the past year. In December 2023, a Massachusetts woman named Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, was killed in a shark attack while paddleboarding near New Providence Island. Just a month later, in January 2024, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten by a shark while participating in a shark tank experience at a resort on Paradise Island. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the region, though shark attacks remain rare overall. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating the February 7 attack, and further details are expected as the probe continues.

Despite these alarming events, global data suggests that shark bites are actually becoming less common. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File, there were 47 reported cases of unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024, representing a slight decline from the five-year average of 64 incidents annually. While this trend offers some reassurance, it does little to comfort the victims of such attacks, who often describe the experience as traumatic and life-altering. “I will never put my toes in [the water] ever again,” one of the women told Today, a sentiment that underscores the profound impact of the incident.

The Bahamas incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with swimming in shark-infested waters, even in popular tourist destinations. While attacks are rare, they can happen without warning, leaving victims with physical and emotional scars. Experts recommend taking precautions, such as swimming in groups, avoiding areas with bait fish, and steering clear of the water at dusk or dawn when sharks are most active. As the two American tourists recover and reflect on their ordeal, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of vigilance, even in paradise.