By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

TWO American tourists attacked by a shark while swimming in Bimini Bay last Friday recounted their harrowing experience on Good Morning America, describing the moment they realised they were in danger.

Rileigh Decker, 20, who suffered severe injuries and remains in serious condition, said: “I kind of felt something nudge my leg, and I looked at her, and I was like, what was that? And we kept swimming. Then I felt a tug on my leg, and I knew right then and there that I was bit.”

Her friend, Summer Layman, 24, was also bitten — likely by the same shark — but didn’t immediately realise it.

“I didn’t realise that I got bit until they started screaming that my foot was, like, shredded,” she said.

The attack occurred around 6.30pm on February 7, 2025, as the women were swimming back to their boat. Friends on board rushed to pull Rileigh out of the water, with one of them, identified as Austin, physically lifting her onto the boat as she lost strength in her leg. He quickly applied a makeshift tourniquet using a towel and rope to slow the bleeding.

Both victims were taken to a local clinic before being airlifted to New Providence for further medical care. Ms Decker has since undergone two surgeries and is expected to need a third.

Shark attacks remain rare, but experts warn that warming ocean temperatures and the practice of dumping fish scraps near marinas are drawing sharks closer to shore.

“Most sharks are cold-blooded, and the warmer water improves their metabolism and functioning. Many will actually go to areas of warm water, especially in cold times of the year,” a marine expert told US media.

Authorities are urging swimmers to remain vigilant and avoid areas where fish waste is commonly dumped, as these can attract sharks.

Despite their terrifying ordeal, both women expressed gratitude for surviving the attack.

“All we can do now is just be grateful that we’re still here, because it could have ended very differently,” Ms Decker said.

Meanwhile, police in Andros are investigating an unrelated boating accident that severely injured a US marine who was free diving near a Naval Base around 4.30pm on Friday. A white open-hull boat with two 150HP outboard engines struck the diver and failed to stop. He was assisted to shore and later airlifted to the United States for treatment.

Police are urging anyone with information about the vessel or its occupants to come forward.