• Boston woman, 44, fatally attacked by shark paddleboarding near Nassau, Bahamas.
• Bahamas sees spike in shark incidents; species in latest attack unconfirmed.
• 2022: 57 global shark attacks, 32 in Bahamas since 1749, underscores need for awareness and research.

In a devastating turn of events, a 44-year-old woman from Boston lost her life in a shark attack while paddleboarding off the picturesque shores of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. The incident unfolded less than a mile from the shore, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community of water enthusiasts.

The victim, whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed, was accompanied by a male relative in the water, who miraculously escaped unharmed. The harrowing incident occurred near Nassau, the Bahamian capital, attracting attention to the increasing frequency of shark-related incidents in the region.

According to Sgt Desiree Ferguson of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a lifeguard from a nearby resort witnessed the attack and swiftly intervened, providing immediate assistance. Despite valiant efforts, the victim succumbed to severe injuries on the right side of her body, including the hip region and upper limb. She was declared dead at the scene after receiving CPR.

The specific shark species responsible for the attack remains uncertain, pending confirmation by authorities. A local jet ski operator indicated that the victim was a newlywed, but this information is awaiting official verification.

This tragic event follows closely on the heels of a recent shark attack in Mexico, where another woman lost her life while swimming with her daughter. The Bahamas, in particular, has witnessed a series of shark-related incidents, including the disappearance of a German woman last month and a shark attack resulting in a leg amputation for a US woman in June.

Statistics from the International Shark Attack File reveal that there were 57 unprovoked shark attacks globally in 2022. Among these, 32 incidents occurred in the Bahamas since 1749. Despite the alarming nature of these events, the odds of a fatal shark attack globally are approximately 1 in 4.3 million.

In 2022, the International Shark Attack File reported 57 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks, along with 32 provoked incidents. Surfers and board sports enthusiasts accounted for 35% of cases, while swimmers and waders constituted 43%. These incidents highlight the need for continued research and awareness to mitigate the risks associated with shark encounters in popular coastal destinations.

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