Crime alert and shark risks loom over Bahamas travellers

Renowned for their stunning beaches and coral reefs, the Bahamas attract visitors from across the globe. However, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for these islands. This is not related to the upcoming hurricane season or mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue or chikungunya. The primary concerns are crime and sharks.

The Department of State warns about crimes such as armed robbery, burglary, and sexual assault. As reported by "Bild," tourists cannot feel safe, and the warnings apply to the entire archipelago. Most crimes occur in Nassau and Freeport on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. The "Over the Hill" district in Nassau is particularly dangerous, with local residents experiencing gang-related murders.

The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges travelers to remain cautious, advising against walking alone after nightfall. It also recommends staying alert in remote locations and on empty beaches, and warns not to leave food or drinks unattended, according to a report by Bild.

The American agency also warns about the risk of sharks. Although the Bahamas are not typically associated with a high number of shark attacks, approximately 40 species of shark inhabit the waters around the islands, some of which may be aggressive. In early February, two American tourists were attacked by a shark while swimming in Bimini Bay, one of them sustaining serious injuries.

A fatal attack occurred in 2023. The victim, a 44-year-old American woman, was off the coast of the Bahamas at the time of the attack. She was paddleboarding when she sustained severe injuries to the right side of her body, including a torn hip area and the right upper limb, as reported by a local police spokesperson. Although a rescuer arrived and attempted resuscitation, she could not be saved.