The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

A 64-year-old tourist from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was bitten on his left hand by a nurse shark at Compass Cay, Exuma, on Sunday.

Reports say the man was cleaning fish in an area known for having nurse sharks when the incident occured around 4.25pm.

According to Bahamian police reports, the man was then taken to the local clinic in Exuma and later airlifted to New Providence where his injuries were reportedly described as non-life threatening.

A Miami newspaper also reported yesterday that a man was flown into Palm Beach International Airport for medical treatment.

Palm Beach Country Fire Rescue said rescuers took the man to St Mary’s Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

The shark attack is the first reported shark attack in the Bahamas since July 14, 2011, when a diver in Grand Bahama almost had his arm bitten off after persons in another boat began dumping chum into the water.

The attack is also the first reported shark attack in Exuma since a then 48-year-old man, Luis Hernandez, was bitten on his elbow by a shark. The man was later taken to the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami where he eventually recovered.