August M
A beach outing in the U.S. Virgin Islands ended in tragedy after a Minnesota woman was fatally injured while swimming. Emergency crews rushed to the scene following reports of a violent incident in the water, but the victim could not be saved.
Authorities say the investigation is continuing as officials work to determine exactly what happened.
Emergency response
Police said multiple emergency calls were received at about 4:28 p.m. on Thursday reporting that a woman had been bitten while in the water at Dorsch Beach on the island of St. Croix. Marine units, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the scene.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, responders found the woman with catastrophic injuries. Police said she had suffered the loss of an arm during the attack.
She was treated at the scene but later died from her injuries, authorities confirmed, reports ABC News.
Search efforts
Officials initially feared there could be a second victim involved in the incident. St. Croix Rescue conducted a search of the surrounding beach and nearby waters.
Police later said no additional injured people were found. Authorities confirmed that the incident appeared to involve only one swimmer.
The beach area was monitored as emergency crews completed their response.
Victim identified
The woman was identified by her family as Arlene Lillis, 56, of Minnesota. Police said she was visiting the area at the time of the incident.
No further details were released about why she was in the water or the conditions at the beach before the attack.
Officials have not publicly identified the species involved, describing the incident as a suspected shark attack.
Ongoing investigation
Police said the investigation remains active as authorities gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Virgin Islands Police Department said it would release additional details if they become available. Local officials have not announced any new safety measures related to the beach.
According to ABC News, shark attacks in the U.S. Virgin Islands are rare, but officials continue to urge caution and awareness for swimmers.
Sources: ABC News
