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
Helen Lister and Angie List travelled to Paris, France together in 2010.

In Helen’s Last Days, Swallowing Became Impossible: A Family’s Heartfelt Struggle

Helen Lister was a beacon of positivity for her family, bringing light…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 27 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

PM Rejects COVID-Style Mandates Amid Urgent Fuel Crisis Discussions with Global Leaders

Australia’s state and territory leaders will meet today for emergency fuel crisis…

Lebanon Decries ‘Brazen Crime’ as Israeli Airstrikes Claim Lives of Three Journalists

In Brief The Israeli military admitted to killing Al Manar correspondent Ali…
Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Aussie Alert: The Economic Indicator Set to Impact Every Household’s Wallet

Inflation could be driven into the mid-sixes as early as June, economists…

Yemen’s Houthis Target Israel with Missile Strike: A New Threat to Global Shipping Routes

In Brief One month into the war, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis say they…

Man in Critical Condition Following Suspected Hit-and-Run Incident

Authorities continue their search for a vehicle and its driver following a…

Tiger Woods Released on Bail Following DUI Arrest Allegations

In Brief Tiger Woods has been released from jail following his arrest…
Man accused of stealing $1500 in diesel forced to siphon it back in

Suspected Diesel Thief Ordered to Return $1500 Worth of Fuel in Unusual Court Ruling

As fuel prices continue to rise, some drivers are reportedly resorting to…
Fuel stockholdings by nation and out-of-order signs on a bowser.

Unveiling the Hidden Truth: The Shocking Oil Stock Graph the Government Overlooked

If oil stopped flowing around the world tomorrow, different countries would find…
Police stand outside the Bank of America building in Paris, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garriga)

French Authorities Prevent Potential Bomb Attack in Paris

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of…

Albanese Unveils Strategic Fuel Powers: Key Changes and Their Impact on Australia’s Energy Future

IN BRIEF The Australian government will underwrite private fuel cargo purchases. This…
Donald Trump speaking about his favourite pen at a cabinet meeting today.

Survey Identifies Key Figures Australians Hold Responsible for Fuel Crisis

According to the latest poll conducted by The Australian Financial Review in…