"A 12-year-old American boy was bitten by a shark on Tuesday while swimming off the coast of Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas."
Incident Details
The boy was swimming with his brother during a tour when the attack occurred off the coast of Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays. The species of shark involved has not been specified.
Medical Response
Following the attack, the boy was transported by boat to New Providence, the most populous island in the Bahamas, for medical treatment. The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that his injuries are being treated and he is in stable condition. The boy's identity and the specific severity of his injuries have not been disclosed.
Background
This incident is the second recorded unprovoked shark attack in the Bahamas in 2026. In March 2026, an Australian woman was bitten while swimming near Andros Island, sustaining severe injuries to her right arm.
According to the Global Shark Attack File, there were five unprovoked shark attacks in Bahamian waters in 2025. The International Shark Attack File ranks the Bahamas ninth worldwide for unprovoked shark attacks.
The Exuma Islands are a popular destination for water activities. Various shark species, including tiger, hammerhead, smooth dogfish, and Caribbean reef sharks, are common in the region, particularly during summer.