American Boy Attacked by Shark at Popular Tourist Beach

A 12-year-old American boy was rushed to the hospital in the Bahamas after being attacked by a shark in front of his horrified family at a popular tourist destination.

The attack happened around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Exuma Cays, according to the Royal Bahamas Police.

Officials said the boy was attacked in the water while his family was nearby. His name has not been released.

The full extent of his injuries has not been made public, but local reports said he was in stable condition when he was transported to a hospital in New Providence.

The Exuma Cays are known for their stunning beaches, clear blue water, swimming, boating and scuba diving. The area draws tourists from around the world, especially families looking for tropical excursions and close-up marine life experiences.

But the same waters have also seen shark incidents in recent years.

In 2018, another American boy, Asher Jones, was attacked by a nurse shark in the Bahamas in an incident that was caught on camera. The Exumas have also made headlines before for shark encounters involving tourists.

The Bahamas, made up of more than 700 islands and cays, is home to a wide range of marine life. While shark attacks remain rare, the region has recorded several incidents over the years and is often viewed as an area where swimmers and divers should stay alert.

Authorities have not said what type of shark was involved in Tuesday’s attack or what the boy was doing in the water at the time.

The last reported shark attacks involving Americans in the Bahamas came in February 2025.

For now, the young tourist is recovering after what began as a family trip to paradise turned into a terrifying emergency.

Police have not released additional details, and the incident remains under review.