Authorities said the 12-year-old was injured while swimming with his brother during a family tour and is in stable condition.
STANIEL CAY, Bahamas — A 12-year-old American boy was injured after a shark attacked him while he was swimming with his brother during a family tour in the Exuma Cays on June 23. Police said the child received medical treatment after being transported from the area and was listed in stable condition.
The attack occurred in one of the Bahamas’ best-known tourist destinations, where visitors regularly swim, snorkel and take boat excursions through the islands. Authorities have released few details about the encounter, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing as officials work to determine exactly what happened.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the boy was swimming with his brother during a tour near Staniel Cay when the shark attack occurred at about 3:30 p.m. His mother alerted authorities after the incident. Emergency responders moved the child by boat to New Providence, where he received medical care. Police have not identified the boy because he is a minor and have not described the severity of his injuries beyond saying he remains in stable condition. Officials also have not said what species of shark was involved. The circumstances leading up to the attack remain under investigation, and no additional injuries were reported.
Staniel Cay is part of the Exuma island chain, a destination known for its clear water, marine life and popular swimming excursions. The area attracts visitors from around the world who participate in snorkeling, boating and wildlife experiences. While shark encounters receive significant attention, confirmed attacks in the Bahamas remain relatively uncommon. Authorities have not indicated whether weather, water conditions or nearby marine activity played any role in this week’s incident. They also have not announced whether any temporary restrictions or additional safety measures have been put in place at the location where the attack occurred.
Data maintained by the International Shark Attack File show the Bahamas has recorded 29 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks since 1580, placing the country among the nations with the highest documented totals, though well behind the United States. Marine experts note that the Bahamas is home to more than 40 shark species, most of which rarely interact aggressively with people. Shark attacks remain statistically rare compared with the large number of people who enter the water each year. Even so, highly publicized incidents often draw attention because they occur in areas popular with tourists.
The latest attack follows other incidents involving American visitors in the Bahamas. In August 2025, a Florida man suffered serious injuries after being bitten while spearfishing near Grand Cay. The following day, another American man was severely injured in a separate shark attack near the Abaco Islands while also spearfishing. Both victims received emergency medical treatment, and one was later flown to the United States for additional care. Authorities have not suggested any connection between those incidents and the latest attack involving the 12-year-old.
Investigators continue gathering information about Tuesday’s attack, and officials have not announced whether additional findings will be released. The boy remains in stable condition as he recovers from his injuries. Police have not said whether witnesses observed the attack or whether additional marine assessments will be conducted in the area where it occurred.