American women visiting the Bahamas face a growing threat of sexual assault by jet ski operators, with multiple rapes reported in Nassau as U.S. officials issue urgent warnings and ban their staff from using these watercraft.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has issued a specific warning about sexual assaults linked to jet ski rentals in Nassau
- Two American women reported rapes in the past month, with three similar cases last year
- Victims report being taken to isolated islands near New Providence where the assaults occur
- Four Americans were hospitalized from jet ski accidents since August, with two requiring emergency evacuation
- U.S. government personnel are now prohibited from using jet ski rentals in Nassau and Paradise Island
Growing Pattern of Assault on Nassau Beaches
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has identified a disturbing pattern targeting female tourists in Nassau. Officials report five sexual assaults of American citizens by jet ski operators since July, with the most recent occurring on January 2 at Cabbage Beach. Following this incident, local authorities arrested a 26-year-old male suspect. The attacks follow a similar method – male operators approach women on popular beaches and then transport them to secluded locations where the assaults take place.
“Women victims reported that male jet ski operators picked them up from downtown Nassau and Paradise Island beaches. This includes the area from Junkanoo Beach to Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach,” the U.S. Embassy stated.
The Embassy further explained the pattern of these attacks: “The victims said they were raped and assaulted on isolated islands near New Providence,” according to their official statement.
Safety Measures and Regulatory Issues
In response to these incidents, U.S. government employees have been prohibited from using jet ski services on New Providence and Paradise Island. The Embassy has extended this recommendation to all American citizens, citing insufficient regulation of watercraft operators. The situation has been compounded by reports that some operators are unlicensed, uninsured, and may ignore safety protocols including weather forecasts.
The Bahamas Ministry of Transport has defended its screening processes while acknowledging ongoing challenges. “Despite our efforts, challenges do remain,” the Ministry admitted. They also claimed the suspect in the recent case was not a licensed commercial operator and therefore not part of the regulated rental industry, suggesting enforcement gaps in the current system.
Ministry officials have planned meetings with jet ski operators and business owners to address these serious concerns. However, the repeated nature of these incidents over months raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures for tourists.
Broader Travel Concerns for Americans
The jet ski warnings come amid a broader travel advisory for the Bahamas due to increased violent crime. The U.S. government has specifically highlighted concerns in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. The “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street in Nassau has been identified as particularly dangerous due to gang violence.
Beyond the sexual assaults, four Americans “were hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents,” according to Embassy reports. Two of these tourists required emergency medical evacuation to facilities in the United States, underscoring both the physical and security risks associated with these watercraft.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive emergency alerts and enable the Embassy to locate them during crises. The U.S. government also recommends comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage due to the limited healthcare facilities available in the Bahamas.
