A 36-year-old British woman has died in the Bahamas while snorkelling with her family, after a strong current swept away her two sons and she was carried off in an attempt to rescue them.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said it had launched an investigation into the sudden death of the British woman on Tuesday. Officers believe the woman was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of Bimini when a strong current reportedly swept both children away.
Police said that in an attempt to rescue her sons, “the woman was also swept away”. The children were rescued from the water.
Police statement on the incident
In a statement posted on social media, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said: “According to the preliminary report, shortly after 10am, officers at the Alice Town police station received information that a female was unresponsive at the North Bimini Ferry Dock.
“Officers responded and, upon arrival, learned that the woman had been transported to the local clinic for medical attention, where she was subsequently pronounced dead by a local doctor despite efforts to save her life.
“Preliminary information indicates that the deceased was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when a strong current reportedly swept both children away.
“In an attempt to rescue her sons, the woman was also swept away. She was later rescued and transported to the ferry dock, where CPR was reportedly administered.”
Investigation and support
The force added that it did not suspect “foul play” and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The UK Foreign Office said it is providing support to the family. An FCDO spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of a British woman who has died in the Bahamas. We are in contact with the local authorities and providing support to her family.”
