Royal Bahamas Police Open Probe Into Death of 36-Year-Old Snorkeler

Royal Bahamas police have opened an investigation into the death of a 36-year-old British woman who drowned in North Bimini on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a family snorkeling trip near the southern point of the island.

Police reported that a strong current swept both of the woman's sons away. As she attempted to swim toward the boys, the current also pulled her from the group. The two sons were eventually rescued from the water.

Officers at the Alice Town police station received a report shortly after 10 a.m. that a woman was unresponsive at the North Bimini ferry dock. By the time responders arrived, the woman had already been transported to a local clinic for medical treatment.

A doctor at the clinic pronounced her dead despite resuscitation efforts. Police noted that CPR was administered at the ferry dock after her body was pulled from the water. The force stated that foul play is not suspected at this time.

An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The Royal Bahamas police force issued the preliminary account of events in a social media statement.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed awareness of the case. A spokesperson said officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing support to the family.

The death took place in Bimini, an island group located between Andros and Miami. The islands serve as the closest point in the Bahamas to the U.S. mainland and are known for their shark research center.