A British mother has died after entering the sea to rescue her two children during a snorkelling trip in the Bahamas. Leanne Gregory, 36, was on holiday with her husband and two sons when a strong current swept the boys away on Tuesday, 20th October.
Attempted Rescue at North Bimini Ferry Dock
Ms Gregory was pulled from the water and taken to North Bimini Ferry Dock, on the south of the island. Her husband, 36-year-old Nathan Gregory, tried to resuscitate her before emergency services arrived. She was later taken to a medical centre but was pronounced dead. The two boys were safely rescued from the water.
The family lived in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, and were in the Bahamas over half term. A post-mortem examination will now be carried out, with the Royal Bahamas Police explaining that foul play was "not suspected".
Witnesses Describe the Incident
The boys' grandmother told The Telegraph that Mr Gregory tried giving his wife "the kiss of life" but "sadly, it was too late". She added: "It is devastating. Leanne drowned trying to save her two boys who got into trouble in choppy waters. They can both swim, they're good swimmers, but the current was too strong."
Linty Stuart, owner of L&A Water Taxi, told ZNS he was captaining the snorkelling boat. He said he saw two boys and a mum in the water, and that bystanders were able to pull the two boys from the water. One witness described the mum as a "hero", saying: "Both children were rescued, I was there for all of it. She's a hero. Also pray for her husband. He went out to save the other boy but a bystander was able to get him. It was truly terrible and nobody's fault. Just two boys who were eager to get in the water and then things went crazy fast. Two of the best parents I've ever seen in my entire life."
Police Investigation Underway
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said: "On Tuesday, 20th October, 2026, police on the island of Bimini launched an investigation into the sudden death of a 36-year-old British woman. 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. Foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy will be conducted to assist in determining the exact cause of death."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told the Mirror: "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."
