British mother dies after fighting current to reach sons

A 36-year-old British woman died on Tuesday after a strong current separated her from her two sons during a snorkeling excursion in North Bimini. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has opened an investigation into the incident, which occurred near the southern point of the island.

Police reports indicate the woman was in the water with her husband and children when the current swept both boys away. While attempting to reach them, the force stated that the woman was also pulled into the current. Her sons were later rescued from the water. The woman was found unresponsive at the North Bimini ferry dock shortly after 10 a.m.

Officers from the Alice Town police station responded to the scene and found that the woman had already been transported to the local clinic. A doctor there pronounced her dead despite resuscitation efforts. Police said CPR was administered at the ferry dock before she was moved to medical care.

The force released a preliminary account of events on social media. The statement confirmed that foul play is not suspected at this time. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The woman’s husband remained with the family during the investigation.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is aware of the case. A spokesperson said, "Our thoughts are with the family of a British woman who has died in the Bahamas." The office added that officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing support to the family.

North Bimini is part of a small island group located between Andros and Miami. It serves as the closest point in the Bahamas to the US mainland. The islands are known for a world-leading shark research centre and for having once been home to author Ernest Hemingway.