An American woman vanished in the Bahamas on Saturday after she was pulled into the ocean by powerful currents during a boat trip, local authorities have reported.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. as the woman and her husband were enjoying a boat ride from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, as stated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. She unexpectedly fell overboard, taking the boat’s ignition key with her, which led to the engine shutting down.
Officials noted that the husband lost track of her as the forceful currents carried her away. Both individuals involved are American citizens.
A drone image captures a bustling harbor with numerous yachts anchored under clear blue skies. (Getty Images/Mr-Fox)
The husband managed to paddle to shore, arriving at Marsh Harbour Boat Yard around 4 a.m. on Sunday.
Upon reaching land, he informed someone of his wife’s disappearance, who then contacted the police.
BAHAMAS – APRIL 23: Crystal clear sea and the beach along the coast north of George Town, Great Exuma, Bahamas. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) (DeAgostini/Getty Images)
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating the woman’s disappearance along with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Hope Town Fire & Rescue.
Due to crime, the U.S. State Department currently says the Bahamas is under a level 2 travel advisory and urges Americans to “exercise increased caution” due to crime, beach safety, as well as jet skis and boating.
Rows of sunbeds and coconut palmtrees in Nassau, The Bahamas. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
The State Department said that boating in the Bahamas isn’t well regulated, stating that “injuries and deaths have occurred.”
