“I prayed to God that I would live,” says one of the victims.
February 11, 2025 – Bimini Bay, Bahamas – Two young American women’s dream vacation in the Bahamas quickly turned into a nightmare as they were attacked by a shark just moments after jumping into the crystal-clear waters off a private yacht.
Rileigh Decker, 20, and Summer Layman, 24, were swimming in Bimini Bay, a popular resort area known for its picturesque beaches and abundant marine life, when the unthinkable happened.
“We were just trying to enjoy the day,” Decker told NBC’s TODAY show from her hospital bed in Florida. “It was supposed to be the perfect vacation.”
But what began as a carefree plunge into the sea turned perilous when Decker felt something brush against her leg. At first, she thought it was nothing more than a fish.
“I said, ‘Summer, what was that?’” Decker recalled. “And she laughed it off, but then, not even two minutes later, I felt a tug on my leg. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a fish.”
What followed was a terrifying ordeal. Decker was pulled under the water by the force of the shark’s bite, and Layman wasn’t far behind. Both women were attacked, suffering significant wounds.
“We immediately screamed for help,” Layman explained, “and when they pulled me out of the water, I looked down at my foot—it was shredded.”
With no time to spare, their friends and family rushed into action. A tourniquet was applied to Decker’s leg to slow the bleeding while Layman’s injury was assessed. But it wasn’t until later, in the chaos of the moment, that Decker realized just how grave her situation had become.
“I just put my head in my hands and started praying that God wouldn’t take my life,” Decker said, fighting back tears. “I just wanted to live.”
The Royal Bahamas Police confirmed the attack was likely caused by a bull shark, a species known for its aggressive behavior. The Bahamas, while a prime tourist destination, has one of the highest shark incident rates globally, with 34 confirmed unprovoked attacks since record-keeping began.
The most recent fatal attack occurred just last year when a woman from Boston was killed by a shark while paddleboarding. In another incident in April 2024, a young man was attacked by two sharks after falling into the water at a marina.
Despite the traumatic experience, both women expressed gratitude for their survival.
“We’re just thankful we’re alive,” Layman said. “We’re lucky to be here.”
After being airlifted to the Bahamas for emergency care, Decker underwent surgery for her injuries before being flown back to Florida. She has since undergone two surgeries to treat her wounds and is now awaiting a third operation. Layman’s injuries, though severe, were less critical. Both women are expected to recover fully.
But neither woman is in a hurry to return to the ocean.
“I’ll never go in the water again,” Decker vowed. “Not even my toes. I’m done with the ocean.”
Layman echoed her sentiment, saying, “I won’t be going back in for a long time, if ever.”
For now, the two women are focused on healing, thankful for the support of their family and the doctors who have worked tirelessly to help them recover. But their vacation in paradise has left an indelible scar—one they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
As the incident has made clear, while the Bahamas offers stunning views and unforgettable experiences, there are real dangers lurking beneath the waves. Tourists, especially those visiting for the first time, are reminded to always exercise caution when entering the water.
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