Bahamas vacation water rescue: British mother swept away by strong currents while trying to save sons during snorkeling trip

A 36-year-old woman died after trying to rescue her two sons from strong ocean currents during a family vacation in the Bahamas, multiple news outlets reported. The woman was snorkeling with her husband and children near the island of Bimini on Tuesday, October 20, when rough waters reportedly swept the boys away, prompting her to go after them. The British family was visiting Bimini as part of a cruise when the tragic incident happened.

The woman was pulled from the water and rushed to a local clinic, where she was pronounced dead despite efforts to save her. The two boys were reportedly rescued, but authorities have not publicly provided details about their condition.

ALSO READ: Ethan Klein cheating: Who is Tamara Joseph and how did she meet the American-Israeli YouTuber? Here's what Hila Klein said

What happened during the Bahamas vacation?

According to preliminary information released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the woman was snorkeling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of Bimini when a strong current reportedly swept both children away.

“Preliminary information indicates that the deceased was snorkeling with her husband and two sons near the southern point of the island when a strong current reportedly swept both children away,” a spokesman for the Royal Bahamas Police Force told UK newspaper The Telegraph.

ALSO READ: Why did Simone Biles sell her $1.2 million Houston house? Olympic gymnast breaks down over ‘so many good memories’

“In an attempt to rescue her sons, the woman was also swept away,” the spokesperson continued. “She was later rescued and transported to the ferry dock, where CPR was reportedly administered.”

“Officers responded and, upon arrival, learned that the woman had been transported to the local clinic for medical attention, where she was subsequently pronounced dead by a local doctor despite efforts to save her life,” the spokesperson concluded, per The Telegraph.

Cops rule out foul play

Police do not suspect foul play, according to The Tribune. An autopsy is being arranged to determine the woman’s exact cause of death, while the condition of her two sons has not been shared publicly. According to The ZNS Network, the woman’s sons witnessed the life-saving efforts that were performed on her.

Water opstaxi captain describes rescue attempt

Linty Stuart, owner of L&A Water Taxi, told ZNS he was captaining the snorkeling boat. He said he saw two boys and a mum in the water, and that bystanders were able to pull the two boys from the water. Authorities have not publicly identified the woman in the reports cited by PEOPLE and The Independent.

Linty Stuart, owner of L&A Water Taxi, told Bahamian broadcaster ZNS that he was captaining the boat that helped pull the family from the water. According to reports, his crew spotted people signaling for help and moved toward them.

Speaking to The Independent, Stuart recalled seeing “frantic hands waving in the distance” before he went to investigate. He said he saw two boys and their mother in the water.

Stuart described the rescue as “extremely difficult” because of the strong currents and large waves. By the time rescuers reached the mother, she was face down in the water, according to his account.

He also described the dangerous conditions, saying that a wave measuring an estimated seven to eight feet nearly overturned the vessel. “Everything happened really, really fast. It’s a shock,” he said.

PEOPLE also reported Stuart saying the incident unfolded quickly and that he remained in shock. Jason Saunders, the first mate of L&A Water Taxi, described the experience as frightening and expressed sadness over the outcome.

The two boys were reportedly brought to safety, but their mother's condition could not be reversed despite efforts to revive her. According to PEOPLE, the children witnessed attempts to resuscitate their mother.

British Foreign Office responds to the tragedy

The British Foreign Office confirmed that it was aware of the woman's death and was supporting her family while remaining in contact with local authorities.

A spokesperson told PEOPLE that the department's thoughts were with the family and confirmed that assistance was being provided. The woman's identity has not been publicly disclosed in the reports cited here.