A fatal shark attack in the Bahamas has triggered a travel alert for the islands.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued revised travel advice in the wake of a 21-year-old woman holidaymaker from California reportedly being killed by three sharks while snorkelling a week ago.
The FCO said: “On 26 June, 2019 a fatal shark attack took place in The Bahamas.
“While this is a very rare occurrence, the Bahamian authorities have issued advice urging the public to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of New Providence, adjacent islands and cays.”
The Bahamas agriculture and marine resources ministry said: “The public is advised to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of New Providence, adjacent islands and cays, in particular the areas of northern shoreline of New Providence, the north-eastern shoreline of Paradise Island, Rose Island and along the Montagu Foreshore.
“The public is further advised to avoid the cleaning or discarding of fish waste in the water as this practice attracts sharks into areas often utilised for swimming by the public and our guests.
“Further, if a shark is seen in the swimming area, persons are advised to leave the water and in no circumstance molest or play with the animal.
“Also, if injured and bleeding while in the water, it is recommended that you leave the water as sharks are attracted to blood.”
