A shark attacked and killed an American woman along a beach in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, officials said on Friday.
Share this @internewscast.com
A shark attacked and killed an American woman along a beach in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, officials said on Friday.

The victim of a recent incident in the Virgin Islands has been identified by police as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis from Minnesota. However, further details about her hometown have not been disclosed.

The tragic event unfolded near the shoreline on the western side of St. Croix on Thursday afternoon. Emergency responders, including police and rescue teams, arrived promptly at the scene. Daryl Jaschen, the director of the Virgin Islands’ emergency management agency, praised the crews for their “swift and professional” efforts under the challenging conditions they faced while attending to Lillis.

A shark attacked and killed an American woman along a beach in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, officials said on Friday.
A shark attacked and killed an American woman along a beach in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, officials said on Friday.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Despite the immediate medical attention she received on the beach, Lillis, a frequent visitor to the U.S. territory, was transported to a local hospital where she tragically succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach.

Initial reports suggested the possibility of a second victim. However, after conducting a thorough search of the area, authorities did not find any additional victims, thereby ruling out the earlier concern.

Lillis, who was a frequent visitor to the U S territory, was taken to a local hospital for further treatment but died from her injuries, according to Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach.

Police said they were initially told there may have been a second victim, but a perimeter search by authorities did not discover any other victims.

Officials said they have not yet confirmed what type of shark was involved in the attack. They said that while shark sightings are common, attacks in the US Virgin Islands are unusual.

“Encounters that result in a bite are very rare,” said Nicole Angeli of the US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources at Friday’s news conference.

She said Thursday’s attack was the second such incident in a decade, and that there are plans to put up more signs and share more information at hotels and beaches on how to be safe around wildlife.

Jaschen, of the emergency management agency, said the investigation into the attack is ongoing, and that he could not immediately say what may have caused the shark to come so close to the shore.

Overall, at least 79 unprovoked shark attacks have been reported in the Caribbean since 1749, including four in the US Virgin Islands, according to the Florida-based International Shark Attack File.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Instagram password reset email

Amid Data Breach Concerns, Millions of Instagram Users Receive ‘Password Reset’ Emails

Millions of Instagram users have been warned to be on the lookout…

Preparing for Pet Loss: Developing a Grief Plan for Your Beloved Canine Companions

Furry friend or public pest? Not everyone wants to be pawed by…
Anthony Albanese visited a bushfire-hit area in Victoria.

Immediate Disaster Relief Payments Announced for Victoria Bushfire Victims in Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan made their way to…
A family is grateful to be alive after they were forced to huddle together inside a shipping container as flames tore through their home.Isabel Bafunno, 81, said they tried to put out the fire when it reached their remote Caveat property in Victoria, but "it was hopeless".

From Devastation to Innovation: Family Transforms Shipping Container into New Home After Fire

A family narrowly escaped disaster as they huddled inside a shipping container…
Iran warns it will retaliate if Trump orders strike over protests

Iran Vows Retaliation Against Potential Trump-Ordered Strikes Amid Escalating Protest Tensions

Nationwide protests challenging Iran‘s theocracy saw protesters flood the streets in the…
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott

Tragic Incident in Mississippi: Suspect Charged in Connection with Six Fatalities

A 24-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following the tragic…
Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed has met with former Prime Minister and current Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd in the latest engagement on his trip to the US.

Bondi Hero Ahmed al-Ahmed Connects with Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd During U.S. Visit

Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed has met with former Prime Minister and current…
Jonathan Ross filmed Renee Good before shooting her on a Minneapolis street.

Minneapolis Tragedy: ICE Agent’s Phone Records Fatal Encounter, Raising Accountability Questions

An official from the Department of Homeland Security has verified the authenticity…

Unequal Impact: How Heatwaves Highlight Disparities in Suburban Areas

Parts of the country have been sweltering through a heatwave that’s set…
Childcare centre shut down in Sydney for failing to meet standards

Sydney Childcare Centre Closed Due to Non-Compliance with Standards

A Sydney childcare centre is the first to be shut down amid…
A couple's drive to the airport has taken a shocking turn after their hire car fell into a large sinkhole in Adelaide.

Adelaide Airport Drama: Couple’s Hire Car Swallowed by Sinkhole En Route to Departure

A couple’s drive to the airport has taken a shocking turn after…
An out-of-control blaze in Longwood has burnt through more than 48,000 hectares.

Tragic Discovery: Body Uncovered in Fire-Ravaged Region of Victoria

In a tragic development amidst the relentless Longwood bushfire, authorities have discovered…