The U.S. State Division not too long ago issued a Degree 2 journey advisory, warning vacationers to “exercise increased caution” attributable to crime and probably shark assaults in The Bahamas.
Violent crime — together with armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults — can happen anyplace within the Bahamas, in accordance with a press release from the State Division.
Nevertheless, most crime happens in Nassau and Freeport on New Windfall and Grand Bahama islands.
Vacationers ought to keep alert within the “Over the Hill” space in Nassau, south of Shirley Road, the place gangs have killed residents, in accordance with the assertion.
They need to additionally train warning at trip rental properties, particularly the place non-public safety is just not current.
The State Division recommends locking doorways and home windows and never answering the door except vacationers know who the particular person is.
Along with the crime discover, the State Division warned vacationers of dangers whereas boating and visiting the seaside.
Boating is just not nicely regulated, and accidents and deaths have occurred, in accordance with the assertion.
Watercraft may not be secure, whereas some operators aren’t licensed or insured.
Because of the dangers, U.S. authorities workers are prohibited from utilizing jet skis and private watercraft rented from unbiased operators on New Windfall and Paradise islands.
Sexual assaults by jet ski operators and on and close to downtown Nassau seashores have additionally been reported.
“Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms,” the State Division advises.
Sharks are one other concern, with current assaults resulting in severe accidents and dying.
In February, two American vacationers have been attacked by a shark at a preferred Bahamas resort.
The feminine swimmers have been at Bimini Bay, a part of the westernmost island in The Bahamas and about 50 miles from Miami, and have been airlifted to New Windfall, a separate island within the Bahamas, for additional remedy.
In December 2023, Lauren Erickson Van Wart, a 44-year-old newlywed from Massachusetts, was killed by a shark whereas paddleboarding lower than a mile off the western finish of New Windfall Island.
Only a month later, a shark bit the leg of a 10-year-old boy from Maryland on Jan. 15, 2024, whereas he was in a shark tank at a resort on Paradise Island.
The State Division, in a press release to Fox Information Digital, mentioned the journey advisory for The Bahamas was beforehand Degree 2 earlier than the replace on March 31.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.
