By Licec Bastian
Journal Staff Writer

An apparent shark attack in Bahamian waters is believed to be the cause of death of an
adult male early Monday morning. However, police said investigations by the coroner
would determine whether the man was killed by a shark.
The victim, whom police believed to have been in his early 20s, was observed floating
in waters on Saunders Beach only clad in swim trunks.
Police alerted the media at 7:30 a.m. to what was believed to be an alleged drowning.
Police Press Liaison Officer, Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters
on the scene that it was shortly after 7 a.m. when the police received information that
the body of a man was floating in waters.
“Officers responded and on arrival discovered the male partially submerged in the
waters in a swim trunk and bareback. The male was retrieved by the officers along
with our community partners who were here on the beach,” Ch. Supt. Skippings said.
“Once he was brought ashore, it was observed that the male had significant injuries to
his left arm, and he also had injuries to his ear. We believe the injuries are consistent
with that of a shark attack.”
Investigators are in the early stages of investigations. Chf. Supt. Skippings said it is
believed that the victim was in the waters between four and eight hours.
Chf. Superintendent Skippings gave this advice to beach-goers.
“It’s hot and everybody wants to get on the beach, especially the older folks and some
of the younger folks like to come in the early morning hours when the sun is still a bit
down. [But] I want to encourage beachgoers, if you must swim, bring a family
member with you. Have someone here with you,” she said.
“At any given point and time, something can go wrong, and so to minimize losing a
life or any significant injuries to anyone, I want to encourage you, when you come to
the beach bring family members or someone along with you who can assist you in the
event of an emergency.”