A tourist from the U.S. sustained severe injuries following a shark attack while spearfishing in the Bahamas over the weekend, as reported by local sources. 

The Royal Bahamas Police Force shared on Facebook that the attack happened just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, close to Big Grand Cay in Abaco.

The man, aged 63, initially received care at a local clinic before being flown back to the U.S. for further treatment. Officials have not provided more information.

While shark attacks in the Bahamas are rare, the country has one of the world’s highest rates relative to its population.

A tiger shark swims near Grand Bahama Island in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

A month later, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland suffered a bite to the leg during a shark tank activity at a resort on Paradise Island. The boy was hospitalized and survived the incident. 

The U.S. State Department has also warned travelers of shark-related risks in the region.

In March, the U.S. issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, urging its citizens to “exercise increased caution,” particularly due to potential shark encounters.

“Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death,” the advisory warned.

Stepheny Price writes for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering topics such as missing persons, homicides, national crimes, illegal immigration, and more. Tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com