An American has been killed in a fatal shark attack in the Bahamas.
Caroline DiPlacido, 58, arrived in the islands Sept. 6 with family members on the cruise ship Harmony of the Seas. After departing the ship the group went on an independent snorkeling excursion.
Around 2 p.m. the group was off Rose Island near Green Kay when a shark was spotted. The excursion operators and family members attempted to rescue the DiPlacido, but were unsuccessful. The Gannon University employee sustained serious injuries to the left side of her body.
She was pulled onto the boat and rushed to Montaqur Beach where medics began/continued CPR.
Video from the scene shows a woman, who may be trained in the medical field, calling for IV fluids as onlookers mill about the dock.
The video also shows a woman consoling a older man who appears to be crying on the boat.
“Tour operators along with family members attempted to rescue the female; however, they were unsuccessful; which resulted in the female receiving serious injuries to the left side of her body. EMS personnel visited the Fort Montagu Ramp where the victim was transported and confirmed no vital signs of life,” the Royal Bahamas Police said in a statement.
Royal Caribbean stated it is “offering support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Witnesses identified a bull shark as the responsible species but tiger sharks have been involved in several serious attacks in the islands.
Shark attack bites in the Bahamas
The clear picturesque water of the Bahamas offers ocean lovers a variety of ocean based activities and is home to a many species of sharks.
Ethan Davis was spearfishing July 23, 2020 when he filmed the moment a shark grabbed his leg.
An unidentified shark-bitten person was flown into Palm Beach International Airport from the Bahamas June 18, according to the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Salvador Ruiz, 50, was snorkeling off Waderick Wells Cay June 17, 2020 when he nearly lost his leg to a shark.
Jonathan Hernandez was out for a day of spearfishing with friends June 21, 2019 when things went horribly wrong. He sustained serious injuries to his left leg.
An American tourist, 32, from Fort Lauderdale was exploring the waters of Guana Cay with two other Americans July 4, 202 when he was attacked by a shark.
Fatal tiger shark attack in 2019
On June 26 Jordan Lindsey, 21, and her mother, Kami, decided to go on a snorkeling off the coast of Nassau with the Bahamas excursions company Sandy Toes.
According to the family, they were in a roped off area when a tiger shark attacked Jordan. Her mother swam to her aid expecting a boat to collect them, but no one came.
As her mother tried to drag her to shore she was attacked multiple times. After reaching safety no medical supplies were available and Lindsey passed away.
A bit of advice
Excursions can be a wonderful way to explore new worlds and activities. However it is of upmost importance to be diligent when choosing operators.
Be sure to inquire about emergency safety protocols and ensure a proper first aid kit, including tourniquets, is carried. Inquire about communications, is a marine grade radio available, is there cell coverage, and what are the local emergency numbers?
All locations been marked on the 2022 Shark attack Map.
