36-year-old British mother dies 10 minutes after current separates her from sons

Bimini, a small island group between Andros and Miami, is the closest point in the Bahamas to the US mainland. On Tuesday, a 36-year-old British woman died after being swept away by a strong current while trying to reach her two sons.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force opened an investigation into the incident, which occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near the southern point of North Bimini. The woman was snorkeling with her husband and two sons when the current took the boys. Police stated that while she attempted to reach them, she was also pulled into the deep water.

Officers at the Alice Town police station received a report that a woman was unresponsive at the North Bimini ferry dock. By the time they arrived, paramedics had already transported her to the local clinic. A doctor pronounced her dead at the facility despite efforts to revive her. Police confirmed that CPR was administered at the ferry dock after she was pulled from the water.

The two sons were rescued from the water. In a statement posted on social media, the police force said foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is aware of the case. A spokesperson said officials are in contact with local authorities and providing support to the family. The office noted that its thoughts are with the family of the deceased.

The islands are known for their history, including a former home to Ernest Hemingway, and host a shark research center. The current that caused the incident is a known hazard in the area, often affecting swimmers and snorkelers who venture beyond the shallows.