The US State Department issued a travel advisory on Friday for travelers to the Bahamas, urging them to exercise increased caution as the nation's capital has recorded 18 murders this year.
Most crimes occurred on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, home to Freeport and Nassau.
US Issues Travel Advisory Amid Increase in Bahamas Murders
People enjoy Junkanoo beach in Nassau, Bahamas on April 30, 2019.
The elevation to Level 2 follows a security alert posted on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Nassau, which expressed concern that gang violence in the nation's capital might harm Americans.
"Murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets," the embassy said in its alert. "Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders."
US travelers were advised to exercise extra vigilance in Nassau, especially at night in the Bahamas. It noted to "keep a low profile" and be aware of the surroundings, avoid resistance if confronted by robbers, and prepare and review security plans.
The State Department also mentioned that short-term vacation rentals do not have the same private protection as hotels. It claimed that Nassau's gang crime is not fenced out of areas frequented by tourists.
The travel advisory acknowledged that violent crimes, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
The department also issued a warning that many recreational watercraft trips, tours, and rentals are inconsistently regulated and thus come with an additional layer of risk.
It said watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications. It warned to continually review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities.
Furthermore, the department also advised Americans not to swim alone in the Bahamas due to recent shark attacks.
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US Woman Killed in Shark Attack in Bahamas
The local police confirmed that a US woman was killed by a shark while paddleboarding in the Bahamas on Monday. The unidentified 44-year-old victim from Boston was attacked less than a mile off the coast of New Providence island, which is home to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
The woman was in the water with a male relative who was unharmed. The International Shark Attack File reported that there were 57 unprovoked shark attacks last year globally. According to Sgt Desiree Ferguson, a spokesman for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a lifeguard at the neighboring Sandals resort witnessed the situation and hurried out to help.
The victim was carried back to shore, and CPR was performed. However, she was declared dead at the scene. Furthermore, Ferguson claimed that she suffered severe injuries to the right side of her body, including the ripped hip region and also her right upper limb.
It is unknown what kind of shark attacked the woman. The BBC has contacted the Royal Bahamas Police Force for a statement.
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