Maryland boy, 10, attacked, bitten in leg amid shark tank experience at resort in the Bahamas

BAHAMAS: Local authorities have confirmed that a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten in the leg during a shark tank encounter while vacationing in the Bahamas.

The incident took place just before 4 pm local time on Monday at a resort located on Paradise Island.

As per a statement from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the child, whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered a bite on his right leg. He is currently reported to be in a "stable condition."

Shark attacks and bites Maryland boy in Bahamas

The Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that the attack took place while the child was partaking in a "Shark Tank" expedition. Following the incident, he was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The incident is currently under investigation, and it remains unclear whether the boy was accompanied by his family at the time.

On Tuesday, Police Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings informed NBC News that she was unable to provide details about the safety measures implemented at the "Shark Tank" expedition.

"I'm a police officer on the island, and I have never been over to the aquarium that they're referring to. As for how it's set up, you'll have to speak to personnel at the resort," said Skippings, who chose not to disclose the name of the resort.

In the United States, shark attacks are infrequent, with fatal incidents being even rarer. In 2023, NBC reported eight shark encounters in Hawaii, only one of which resulted in a fatality.

In late December, 39-year-old surfer Jason Carter tragically lost his life following a shark encounter near the Paia Bay area of Maui.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that sharks have been known to attack humans out of confusion or curiosity.

The Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File reportedly examined 108 reported shark-human interactions worldwide in 2022, confirming 57 unprovoked and 32 provoked bites, as cited by Independent.

Shark attack claims life of woman in the Bahamas

This incident comes in the wake of a shark attack that took place in Nassau, Bahamas, on December 4, which tragically resulted in the death of 44-year-old Massachusetts math editor Lauren Erickson Van Wart.

At the time of the incident, Van Wart was vacationing with her husband and was paddle boarding near a resort.

According to a news release from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a resort lifeguard who witnessed the incident managed to bring Van Wart and her husband to safety on a rescue boat.

Van Wart, who had suffered "significant trauma to the right side of her body," was administered CPR.

Emergency medical technicians at the scene examined Van Wart and concluded that she "showed no vital signs of life," per People.