Overview
- Police identified the victim as Arlene Lillis, 56, of Minnesota, who died after suffering catastrophic injuries including the loss of an arm near Dorsch Beach on Thursday afternoon.
- Emergency calls came in around 4:28 p.m. local time, and marine units, firefighters, and EMS responded and transported Lillis to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
- Bystanders, including Christopher Carroll and another vacationer, swam out to Lillis and brought her to shore before first responders arrived.
- An initial report suggested a possible second victim, but a perimeter search by St. Croix Rescue found no additional injuries.
- Officials have not identified the shark species, describe such bites in the U.S. Virgin Islands as uncommon, praise rescuers and first responders, and say public outreach and signage at beaches will be increased.