A 63-year-old American tourist suffered severe injuries in a shark attack while spearfishing in the Bahamas, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The incident occurred Sunday near Big Grand Cay in the Abaco Islands. Authorities confirmed the man was pulled from the water, treated at a local clinic, and later airlifted to the United States. His condition remains unknown.
Spearfishing, a popular sport in the region, often draws tourists into waters known for shark activity. The Bahamas ranks ninth worldwide in shark encounters, with 34 confirmed attacks over the last 400 years. In February, another American tourist said she thought she was “going to die” after she and a friend were attacked by sharks while swimming.
Concerns over safety in the Bahamas extend beyond sharks. Rising crime rates prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 2 travel advisory in March, urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting. The advisory specifically warned, “Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death.”
The Bahamas relies heavily on U.S. tourism, yet repeated attacks and rising crime place American travelers at risk. While shark incidents remain statistically rare, the combination of natural dangers and violent crime underscores why many families are reconsidering the islands as a safe destination.
