Minnesota Woman Killed In Shark Attack While Snorkeling In U.S. Virgin Islands

A Minnesota woman died after a shark attack while snorkeling in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to Virgin Islands authorities and local reporting.

Arlene Lillis, 56, of Detroit Lakes, was attacked Thursday afternoon at Dorsch Beach on the island of St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department said.

Police said multiple 911 calls were received at approximately 4:28 p.m. reporting that a woman had been bitten by a shark. Fire officials confirmed the woman lost an arm during the attack. She later died from her injuries.

Initial reports suggested there may have been a second victim, but a search of the surrounding beach area did not confirm anyone else was injured, according to FOX 13.

A registered nurse from Utah who was vacationing on the island told NBC News he heard screaming from the water and swam out to help.

"When I got maybe 10, 15 yards from her, I could see all the blood in the water, and that’s when I realized, 'Oh, God, this is a shark attack or something,'" said Christopher Carroll.

Carroll said the woman had lost her left arm below the elbow and was conscious as he towed her back toward shore.

"I knew it was a big, big shark," Carroll said. "And that was the most terrifying moments… knowing that there’s blood in the water, knowing there’s a very large shark that’s aggressive and not knowing if it’s still there."

He said Lillis was able to tell him her name as he worked to keep her calm.

"I just kept trying to reassure her that she wasn’t alone, that they were going to get her help and get her to the hospital," Carroll said. "You know at least she had people to help her and and she wasn’t alone," he added. "So I’m taking some comfort in that."

Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a statement offering condolences to Lillis’ family and thanking bystanders and first responders who attempted to save her life.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing