British woman dies in Bahamas trying to rescue sons from current
A 36-year-old British woman has died in the Bahamas after trying to rescue her two sons, who were swept away by a strong current while snorkelling. The boys were later rescued and police are investigating.
A 36-year-old British woman died on Tuesday on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas while trying to save her two sons, who were caught in a strong current as they snorkelled. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has opened an investigation, and the UK Foreign Office said it is in touch with her family and offering support.
What happened
According to preliminary police information, the woman was snorkelling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of Bimini when a strong current reportedly carried both children away. As she tried to reach them, she too was swept away. The children were later rescued from the water.
Shortly after 10am, officers at the Alice Town police station were told that a woman was unresponsive at the North Bimini ferry dock. Police found she had already been taken to the local clinic, where a local doctor pronounced her dead despite efforts to save her. Police said she was rescued and taken to the ferry dock, where CPR was reportedly administered. Foul play is not suspected.
An autopsy will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.
About Bimini
Bimini is a small island between Andros, the largest landmass in the Bahamas, and Miami in the United States. It is the closest point in the Bahamas to the US mainland. The island is known for having once been home to Ernest Hemingway, and it also hosts a world-leading shark research centre.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed sympathy for the family and said the office is in contact with local authorities.
