A 63-year-old American tourist has been left severely injured after a shark attacked him while he was spearfishing in the Bahamas, police said.
The frightening encounter happened just after 1 p.m. Sunday near Big Grand Cay, a remote island in the Abacos archipelago, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Authorities said the man, whose name has not yet been released, was pulled from the water with deep wounds following the attack. Friends and rescuers managed to get him to shore, where he received emergency care before being rushed to a local clinic.
Given the seriousness of his injuries, the tourist was airlifted to the United States for further treatment. His current condition remains unknown.
Spearfishing dangers
Spearfishing is a popular sport in the Bahamas, attracting both locals and tourists to its clear waters and thriving marine life. The practice, which involves impaling fish with a spear or harpoon, often takes place while free diving.
But experts say it also comes with risks. The act of spearing fish — and the blood released in the water — can attract sharks, particularly in regions where the predators are already abundant.
“This type of fishing can trigger a feeding response in sharks,” explained Dr. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, in an earlier interview about similar incidents. “They are opportunistic hunters, and when they sense blood, their instinct is to investigate.”
Bahamas is a shark hotspot.
While shark attacks in the Bahamas remain rare, the islands have developed a reputation as a hotspot for encounters. According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been 34 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks in the Bahamas over the past 400 years, placing the nation ninth globally for recorded incidents.
The Bahamas’ location, combined with its popularity among divers, snorkelers, and fishermen, means encounters are more likely to be documented there than in less-visited waters.
Recent incidents
Sunday’s attack comes just months after several high-profile cases raised fresh fears about water safety in the region.
In February, an American tourist described a terrifying moment when she thought she was “going to die” after being bitten by a shark while swimming with a friend. Both women survived but suffered significant injuries.
In March, a cluster of shark attacks — combined with a surge in violent crime — prompted the U.S. State Department to reissue a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning American travellers to “exercise increased caution” while visiting.
The advisory specifically urged visitors to stay vigilant around sharks, noting that attacks had already resulted in “serious injuries and death.”
Global context
Globally, shark attacks are rare compared with the millions of people who swim in the ocean every year. In 2023, there were 69 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide, according to the International Shark Attack File. Of those, 10 were fatal.
Florida remains the world’s top hotspot, recording more bites annually than any other region. The Bahamas, by contrast, typically reports one or two attacks in a given year.
Expert advice
Marine biologists stress that sharks are not actively hunting humans but can mistake swimmers or divers for prey in certain circumstances. Blood, splashing, or erratic movements in the water can increase the risk of an encounter.
“Most shark bites are cases of mistaken identity,” said marine ecologist Jillian Morris, founder of Sharks4Kids, a Bahamas-based conservation group. “But activities like spearfishing can raise the risk because you’re essentially ringing the dinner bell.”
She advised divers and fishermen to always work in groups, remain calm in the water, and avoid carrying dead or bleeding fish near their bodies.
The unknowns
Authorities have not yet disclosed what type of shark was involved in Sunday’s attack. The Bahamas is home to a wide range of species, including reef sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads — all of which are capable of injuring humans.
For now, investigators are reviewing the circumstances and speaking with witnesses. The victim’s prognosis has not been publicly released.
