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Topics: World News, News, Shark
Niamh Shackleton
A newlywed woman has died just a day after her wedding in a tragic ordeal in the Bahamas.
The unnamed woman, who is reported to have been from Boston, Massachusetts, was paddle boarding off the coast of New Providence Island in the Bahamas when the incident occurred.
The 44-year-old had been with a family member less than a mile away when she was bitten by a shark in a one in 3.75 million chance encounter.
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A lifeguard on duty witnessed the ordeal and rushed to the pair's aid.
The relative accompanying her was not injured, officials say.
Royal Bahamian Police Sergeant Desiree Ferguson said: "Shortly after 11:15 a.m. police were notified that a female visitor from Boston, Massachusetts, USA was attacked by a shark.
"According to our initial reports, the female along, with a male relative were paddle boarding just at the rear of a resort in Western New Providence, some 3/4 miles out from the shoreline when she was bitten by the shark.
"A lifeguard on duty who saw what was happening went out in a rescue boat, retrieved the victim, along with the male relative and brought them to safety CPR was administered to the victim.
"However she suffered serious injuries to the right side of her body, including the right hip region and also her right upper limb."
She went on to say: "Emergency Medical Services responded to this scene they thoroughly assessed the victim and they declared that she show she showed no vital signs of life."
Adding: "We extend our heartfelt condolences…for this most unfortunate situation.”
UNILAD has contacted the Royal Bahamian Police for further comment.
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According to Gavin Naylor, program director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida, 30 to 40 shark species live around the Bahamas.
While the species of shark has not yet been identified, he said that the most likely suspects are Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks and the black tip shark.
And bull and tiger sharks, along with the great white, are often part of the 'big three' when it comes to shark attacks, according to the Florida Museum.
"Usually, it's an accidental bite. They think it's something else," Naylor told Associated Press.
"Once in a while, they'll actually single out people, and it's very intentional."
This incident is one of two reported attacks in the Bahamas in recent years.
Fatal shark attacks are very rare, in 2021, there were 24 reported shark attacks in Australia - 19 of which were unprovoked, according to Australia Wide First Aid.
Only three proved fatal.
Nine of those who were attacked had been boarding at the time.
And last year, there were 57 unprovoked attacks around the world - with the majority coming from the U.S.