British woman dies after current pulls her away from sons in Bimini

A 36-year-old British woman died on Tuesday after a strong current swept her away from her two sons during a snorkeling excursion near North Bimini. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has opened an investigation into the incident.

Police reports indicate the family was swimming near the southern point of North Bimini with the woman’s husband. A powerful current separated the boys from the group. As the mother attempted to swim toward them, the water pulled her out to sea as well. Rescue teams eventually pulled both children from the water.

Officers at the Alice Town police station received a call shortly after 10 a.m. regarding a woman who was unresponsive at the North Bimini ferry dock. By the time officers arrived, the woman had already been transported to a local clinic. Medics administered CPR at the dock before moving her to the facility, where a local doctor pronounced her dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The police force stated in a preliminary social media update that foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The force confirmed the woman was a British national.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office acknowledged the death. A spokesperson noted that officials are coordinating with local authorities and providing assistance to the family. The department said its thoughts are with the bereaved relatives.

North Bimini is located between the island of Andros and the US state of Florida. It serves as the closest point in the Bahamas to the US mainland. The island group is historically associated with author Ernest Hemingway and currently hosts a major shark research center.

The family was with the woman’s husband during the outing. The boys were rescued from the current without further reported injuries. The investigation remains ongoing as police complete their review of the events.