A 56-year-old woman tragically lost her life in a shark attack while vacationing, where she was discovered in a pool of blood with a severe injury to her arm. Arlene Lillis was swimming close to the shore in the US Virgin Islands when witnesses heard a distressing scream. Initially mistaken for struggling in the water, it became evident that she was bleeding profusely from her arm.
Following the shark attack, Arlene’s arm was severed below the elbow, leaving her in a critical state. Despite difficulties in communicating, two courageous swimmers rescued her and applied a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Christopher Carroll, a former lifeguard involved in the rescue, recounted comforting her as she spoke. Ryan Connot, the other rescuer, shared that Arlene managed to convey her name and expressed her fear of not surviving. Sadly, due to significant blood loss, she passed away.
Described as a proud mother by her neighbor Andrew Gamble, Arlene, originally from Minnesota, USA, had a compassionate nature, having previously taken care of an injured stray dog. Known for her love of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and her deep affection for animals, Arlene was cherished by those who knew her.
The incident took place near the shore on western St Croix on a Thursday afternoon. Emergency responders swiftly attended to the scene, with Daryl Jaschen commending their prompt and professional efforts despite the challenging circumstances. Despite being rushed to a local hospital for treatment, Arlene succumbed to her injuries, confirmed Lt. Gov Tregenza Roach. Authorities conducted a thorough search but found no additional victims.
While the specific shark species involved has not been identified, authorities noted that shark attacks are uncommon in the US Virgin Islands, with Nicole Angeli stating that such incidents resulting in bites are rare. The recent attack marked the second in a decade, prompting plans for increased safety measures and awareness campaigns regarding wildlife interactions at beaches and hotels.
The investigation into the attack remains ongoing, with Jaschen stating that the reason for the shark’s proximity to the shore is yet to be determined. Records indicate a total of 79 unprovoked shark attacks in the Caribbean since 1749, including four in the US Virgin Islands, as reported by the International Shark Attack File based in Florida.