U.S. Tourist Severely Injured After Being Attacked by Shark While Spearfishing in the Bahamas

A U.S. tourist was attacked by a shark while spearfishing in the Bahamas.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. local time on Sunday, Aug. 17, according to a statement from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Police responded to the scene of the attack near Big Grand Cay on the island of Abaco. Per the statement, initial reports suggest that a 63-year-old man was spearfishing when he was attacked by a shark.

He sustained “severe injuries,” police said.

The unidentified man was taken to a local clinic for medical assistance before being airlifted to the U.S. for further treatment. There has been no update on his current condition.

PEOPLE reached out to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for more information on the incident.

Spearfishing is a popular activity in the Bahamas. The sport involves using a sharp-pointed tool such as a harpoon, spear or gig to impale a fish’s body.

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While shark attacks have made headlines throughout the summer, they are actually considered extremely rare. The Florida Museum cites the odds of being attacked by a shark as one in 11.5 million.

According to Tracking Sharks, which provides data on shark attacks worldwide, there have been 38 shark attack bites this year, as of July, eight of which were fatal. Twelve of those occurred in the U.S., and none were fatal.

Back in March, following a series of shark attacks and crime incidents in the Bahamas, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for the Caribbean country. The Level 2 warning cautioned Americans to “stay alert for sharks” while visiting.

“Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death,” department officials said.