'Animal will behave like one': Internet aghast as chilling footage shows 10-year-old screaming during shark attack in Bahamas resort

NASSAU, BAHAMAS: A relaxing family vacation turned into a scene of horror at a popular Bahamas resort this week when a 10-year-old boy was bitten by a shark in one of the attraction's tanks.

The chilling video captured the moment the child's screams pierced the air as he was dragged from the water with blood streaming down his leg after the shark attack. The footage shows the ensuing panic and scramble to get the boy medical attention before he was swiftly airlifted to the United States for further treatment.

Shark attack incident took place at the Atlantis Bahamas resort

The incident occurred on Monday, January 15, at the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island, in one of the tanks used for the resort's swimming with sharks experience. Video obtained by TMZ shows tourists filming the shark tank when suddenly shrieks are heard coming from the other side of the enclosure.

A 10-year-old boy from Maryland is seen being pulled from the water by his arm, wailing in pain as stunned resort staff and other tourists rush to help. He is quickly brought to the side of the tank and pulled out of the water as the chaotic scene continues around him.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the boy suffered a bite to his right leg by one of the reef sharks kept in the tank. The exact type of shark involved has not been specified. The extent of the bite and injury to the child's leg was also not detailed, though his agonized reaction speaks to the immense pain he was enduring.

The boy was airlifted to the United States to continue his treatment

After being pulled from the tank the boy received immediate first aid attention on site. He was then quickly transported to Doctors Hospital in the Bahamian capital of Nassau where he underwent successful surgery for his injuries.

The hospital described the boy's condition as stable, undoubtedly a relief to his panicked family. Just a day later, likely due to the specialized medical care required, the victim was airlifted to the United States by evening to continue his treatment.

According to the US State Department, consular officials were notified and stood ready to provide assistance. Due to privacy considerations, authorities have declined to release further details.

Internet reacts to the video showing 10-year-old being attacked by a shark

As might be expected, the news of injury from a highly-publicized shark interaction led to a flood of social media backlash around the safety and ethics of attractions where tourists can swim near live sharks and other dangerous marine animals.

One X user expressed incredulity, stating, "They put their kid in a shark tank?" This sentiment resonated with another individual who remarked, "All these animal resorts gotta make changes, SeaWorld isn't cool anymore. A wild animal will behave like one."

A more cynical tone emerged from a user who commented, "Bitten by a shark? Who could’ve predicted this?" Meanwhile, someone urged against laying blame on the shark, emphasizing, "Don't blame the Shark, he's a shark that's what they do."

A user with a touch of sarcasm added, "So it’s not a good idea to swim with sharks after all. Good to know." The skepticism continued as another user questioned the resort's recurrent shark-related incidents, asking, "How many times will this resort be in the news regarding sharks before they get rid of the sharks? Why was this kid in the shark tank anyway?"

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.