12-Year-Old Boy Attacked by Shark During Family Trip in the Bahamas

A 12-year-old American boy was attacked by a shark this week while swimming at a resort in the Bahamas during a family trip, according to local police and a report cited by the New York Post. The incident happened in the Exuma Islands.

The boy had gone into the water with his brother when the shark struck. He was quickly taken by boat to New Providence, the most populated island in the Bahamas, where he received medical treatment.

Bahamian authorities have not released the boy’s identity, nor have they said what species of shark was involved or how severe his injuries were. The attack is considered relatively rare in the Bahamas.

According to the International Shark Attack File, the Bahamas has recorded 29 shark attacks overall, placing it ninth worldwide for documented incidents. The United States ranks first with 1,441 documented cases.