A British national died in the Bahamas after attempting to save her two sons, who were swept away by a strong ocean current while snorkelling. The incident was confirmed by the Bahamas Police Service, which has launched an investigation.
According to a statement released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force on social media, a preliminary report states that officers at the Alice Town station received information shortly after 10:00 that an unconscious woman was at the North Bimini ferry terminal. Upon arrival, they established that the woman had already been transported to a local clinic, where a doctor pronounced her dead despite resuscitation efforts.
Preliminary information suggests that the deceased woman was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern tip of the island when a strong current reportedly swept away both children. In an attempt to save her sons, she was also swept away by the current. She was later pulled from the water and transported to the ferry terminal, where resuscitation was attempted.
Police state that no criminal offence is currently suspected and that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The children were pulled from the water after being rescued.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated that it is in contact with the family of the deceased woman and is providing support. A spokesperson for the office said their thoughts were with the family of the British national who died in the Bahamas and that they were in contact with local authorities.
Bimini is a small island group located between the Bahamas' largest landmass, Andros, and Miami in the United States. It is the closest point of the Bahamas to the American mainland. The islands are best known for having once been the home of Ernest Hemingway, and today they also host a leading global centre for shark research.
