US woman killed by shark while paddleboarding in Bahamas (2024)

FAQs

Was an American woman killed in shark attack while paddleboarding in the Bahamas? ›

An American woman has been killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The woman was paddleboarding with a male relative near the back of the Sandals resort, about three-quarters of a mile out to sea, when she was attacked, police said.

According to the International Shark Attack File, the Bahamas has one of the world's highest rates of shark attacks. At the time of this publication, the database states that 33 unprovoked shark attacks have occurred in the islands since 1749.

The waters around the marina are a feeding frenzy for at least 20 sharks at any moment due to fishermen dumping fish carcasses into the water. Wakeman slipped off the dock and into the waters as the underwater predators attacked.

A shark attacked her while she was paddleboarding with a family member less than a mile off the coast of Nassau. A lifeguard brought her to the beach in a rescue boat where she was pronounced dead.

Filming took place for nine weeks in 1967, in Manzanillo, Mexico, which stood in for the Sudan. It has been claimed that while shooting in the waters of Isla Mujeres, one of the film's stuntmen, Jose Marco, was attacked and killed on camera by a shark that broke through protective netting.

Swimming and diving with sharks in the Bahamas is generally considered safe when done with reputable and experienced dive operators. The Bahamas has established responsible tourism practices and guidelines to ensure the safety of both divers and sharks.

Swimming safety

Fatal shark attacks can happen without warning. Night swimming (including at dusk), puts you at a higher risk, even in shallow waters close to resorts. Paddle boards in deeper water could be at risk. The Bahamian authorities warn of a particular threat in New Providence and nearby islands and cays.

(ˌʃɑːkɪnˈfɛstɪd ) adjective. (of a body of water) known to contain large numbers of sharks, and therefore considered to be dangerous. the shark-infested waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Collins English Dictionary.

You do not want to make any quick movements the shark might confuse for a struggling or scared prey. If you're swimming, head back to shallow water at a steady pace until you are back to shore. On a surfboard, you should always begin paddling back to shore and if possible, ride a wave to shallow water.

Though they are rare, true shark attacks on kayaks do happen. According to the Global Shark Attack File, 21 have been recorded since the early 1900s.

Where are the most fatal shark attacks in the world? ›

The place with the most recorded shark attacks is New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Developed nations such as the United States, Australia and, to some extent, South Africa, facilitate more thorough documentation of shark attacks on humans than developing coastal nations.

“Jaws,” the 1975 movie directed by Steven Spielberg, memorably features Ms. Backlinie in a scene in which she played a skinny-dipper, Chrissie Watkins, who runs along the beach and dives into the water for a nighttime swim. The placid scene is shattered as she is suddenly pulled under the water.

Twenty years ago on October 31, 13-year old surfer Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark resulting in the loss of her left arm.

A woman had to have part of her arm amputated after being attacked in one of two shark attacks in Florida on Friday. Both of the attacks occurred in Walton County, which borders the Gulf of Mexico in Florida's panhandle.