Minnesota Snorkeler Killed in Suspected Shark Attack at St. Croix Beach

A 56-year-old American woman has died following a suspected shark attack while snorkeling at Dorsch Beach on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to confirmed reporting from local authorities and US media.

The victim, identified as Arlene Lillis of Minnesota, was snorkeling in shallow water inside a marked swimming area on Thursday afternoon when the incident occurred. Reporting by People magazine, which cited police statements and family confirmation, said Lillis suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of an arm, and was transported to hospital, where she later died from her wounds.

Emergency services were dispatched shortly after 4:30 p.m. local time following multiple distress calls from the beach. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as fellow beachgoers rushed to assist, pulling the injured snorkeler from the water and attempting to control severe bleeding while awaiting first responders.

Detailed first-hand accounts published by The St. Thomas Source described how a former lifeguard and a nurse who were on the beach immediately entered the water to help. Both said they recognised the injuries as consistent with a shark bite due to the extent of trauma and blood loss. Despite their efforts and rapid emergency response, the injuries proved fatal.

Officials from the Virgin Islands Police Department have confirmed the incident is being treated as a suspected shark attack, although the species involved has not been identified. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional public safety advisories have been issued.

Fatal shark attacks in the U.S. Virgin Islands are extremely rare, particularly in near-shore, designated swimming areas. Marine safety experts continue to stress that while interactions with sharks are statistically uncommon, the ocean remains a wild environment where unpredictable events can occur.

Government officials have issued statements offering condolences to the victim’s family and praising the actions of bystanders and emergency responders who attempted to save her life.