Royal Bahamas Police Investigate Death of British Woman in Bimini

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has opened a formal investigation into the death of a 36-year-old British woman who drowned in North Bimini on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a family snorkeling excursion near the southern tip of the island.

Police reports indicate that the woman was in the water with her husband and their two sons when a strong current displaced the boys. While attempting to reach her children, the woman was also pulled away from the group. Her sons were subsequently rescued from the water.

Officers at the Alice Town police station received a call shortly after 10:00 a.m. regarding an unresponsive woman at the North Bimini ferry dock. By the time responders arrived, the woman had already been transported to a local clinic. A doctor at the facility pronounced her dead despite resuscitation efforts. CPR was administered at the ferry dock after she was pulled from the sea.

The police statement noted that foul play is not suspected. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed its awareness of the case. A spokesperson stated that officials are coordinating with local authorities and providing support to the family.

The woman is described by UK officials as a British national. The statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office expressed condolences to the family. The diplomatic mission is maintaining contact with the Royal Bahamas Police Force to manage the situation.

North Bimini is part of a small island group situated between the larger island of Andros and the United States mainland. This location makes Bimini the closest point in the Bahamas to the US coast. The islands are known for their association with author Ernest Hemingway and for hosting a major shark research facility.