A shark attraction at a luxury resort in the Bahamas has been temporarily closed after a boy was bitten in an attack.
The 10-year-old child, originally from the US, had been visiting the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas when he participated in 'an expedition in a shark tank' according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
The incident occurred at around 4pm local time on Monday (15 January), with the boy taken to hospital and described as being in 'a stable condition' after being bitten on his right leg.
According to ABC News, the boy was then airlifted from the hospital in the Bahamas back to Maryland for further care, with him making the journey at around 10.40pm local time yesterday (17 January).
Advert
They also report that the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island has since removed references to shark-related activities from their website.
The 'Walking With the Sharks' experience at the resort is operated by Stuart Cove's Blue Adventures,
They said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened that a child suffered a shark bite during an in-water experience on Monday.
"A dive instructor and dive guide were in the water with the guest when the incident occurred and immediately responded to provide medical attention.
Advert
"The child was then transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
"We have begun a thorough internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the authorities. Incidents like this involving interactions with marine life, even with the species of sharks included in this experience, are rare and never acceptable.
"We have been operating this experience since 2006 and have never had a guest-related incident occur. The experience will remain closed during our investigation and as we review the findings.
"Our thoughts and support are with the child, parents and others impacted by the incident."
Advert
Witnesses to the shark attack told Today they 'saw the shark like hone in on him' and afterwards there was a pool of blood.
A guest at the resort told Eyewitness News Bahamas they'd seen the boy's mother 'running and screaming' and his father carrying him.
The guest said she had seen a towel tied around the 10-year-old's leg 'tourniquet-style'.
"Everyone was frantic trying to figure out what was going on," eyewitness Kim Darden said.
"It was very chaotic right then."
Advert
The 'Walking With the Sharks' was advertised as requiring no swimming experience and allow people to 'see Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks up close'.
Police have said that their investigations into the incident are ongoing.
LADbible has contacted Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas for comment.
Topics: World News, Shark Attacks, Sharks
Joe Harker