An American woman, identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis of Minnesota, died following a shark attack in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency crews responded to the beach on western St. Croix to treat Lillis. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, according to Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach. Lillis was reportedly a frequent visitor to the territory.
Authorities initially investigated a report of a possible second victim but did not locate anyone else.
Officials have not yet confirmed the type of shark involved. Nicole Angeli of the US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources stated that shark sightings are common, but attacks are rare. This incident marks the second such event in a decade. Plans are underway to increase signage and provide more safety information at hotels and beaches concerning wildlife interactions.
An investigation into the attack is ongoing, and officials could not immediately specify what might have caused the shark to approach the shore.