British mother dies while trying to save her sons from strong current in the Bahamas
Meteorologists had warned of hazardous marine conditions across the Northern Bahamas the day the incident occurred.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- A 36-year-old British mother died while trying to rescue her two sons from a strong current near Bimini.
- Police said foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.
- The Bahamas Department of Meteorology warned of near-gale conditions across the Northern Bahamas.
BIMINI, Bahamas – A 36-year-old British woman died Tuesday after being swept away by strong currents while attempting to rescue her two sons during a snorkeling trip near Bimini in The Bahamas, police said.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force said officers on Bimini launched an investigation into the woman’s death on Oct. 20.
A view of the beach in Bimini, Bahamas on May 1, 2024. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
According to preliminary information, the woman was snorkeling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when the current swept both boys away.
The mother attempted to rescue her sons but was also swept away, police said. She was later recovered and taken to the North Bimini Ferry Dock, where CPR was reportedly administered.
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The woman was transported to a local clinic, where a doctor pronounced her dead despite lifesaving efforts, according to police. Authorities said foul play is not suspected.
A flag of Bahamas is seen at the bar in Bimini, Bahamas on May 1, 2024. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Although no coastal-flood or tidal warning was issued for Bimini, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology had warned of near-gale conditions, moderate to large swells and a high risk of rip currents across the Northern Bahamas on the day of the incident.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released information about the condition of the woman’s sons, and the investigation remains ongoing.