October 23, 2026, 1:53 p.m. ET
A 36-year-old British woman died after being swept away by strong currents while trying to save her two sons during a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, according to local police.
The woman was diving with her husband and their two sons near the southern tip of Bimini on Tuesday, October 20, when a current swept away the two boys, according to preliminary information shared by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The mother, who police did not identify, then entered the water to try to save her sons, but was also swept away. A water taxi crew then pulled the family from the water, The Independent reported.
The woman was taken to a ferry dock, where CPR was allegedly administered before being transported to a local clinic, police said. A doctor pronounced him dead despite lifesaving efforts, and no foul play is suspected, according to authorities.
Water taxi captain describes difficult rescue
Linty Stuart, owner of L&A Water Taxi, told Bahamian television station ZNS Network that he captained the boat that saved the family. His team spotted people waving frantically in the distance, prompting him to investigate.
Stuart said strong currents and large waves complicated the rescue. Waves reaching 7 to 8 feet almost tipped the ship, he told the outlet.
“It all happened very, very quickly. It’s a shock,” Stuart said.
Jason Saunders, the boat’s first mate, also described the incident to ZNS, recalling it as “scary” and ultimately “sad.”
The woman’s sons reportedly watched as rescuers attempted to resuscitate their mother. Authorities have not publicly provided details about the boys’ condition, according to People.
USA TODAY contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Oct. 23 for additional information about the incident and the condition of the woman’s sons, but did not receive a response.
British officials support family of deceased woman
Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was supporting the woman’s family.
“Our hearts go out to the family of a British woman who died in the Bahamas. We are in contact with local authorities and are providing our support to her family,” the office told People in a statement.
The woman and her family were visiting Bimini as part of a cruise, according to ZNS Network.
Other drownings reported in Bimini
This incident is the latest drowning reported in the waters around Bimini.
In May, a 69-year-old American tourist died after being found floating motionless during a snorkeling excursion about four nautical miles south of South Bimini. Passengers who claimed to be medics performed CPR as the boat returned to land, but the man was quickly pronounced dead at a local clinic.
In February 2025, three drownings were reported in Bimini in a single week, including that of an 85-year-old diver who became unconscious off the coast of Ocean Cay, according to Nassau-based newspaper The Tribune.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
Gn world
