Tourist dies after Bahamas shark attack

An Austrian tourist died after being bitten by a shark while diving near the Bahamas in waters that had been baited with bloody fish parts to attract the predators.

Markus Groh, 49, a Vienna lawyer and diving enthusiast, was on a commercial dive trip Sunday when he was bitten about 50 miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale.

Mr Groh was in the open water without a cage or similar protection.

The crew aboard the Shear Water, of Riviera Beach-based Scuba Adventures, immediately called the US Coast Guard. Mr Groh, who was bitten on the leg, was airlifted to a hospital, where he died yesterday.

It was unclear what type of shark was involved in the attack. The company’s website says it offers the opportunity to get “face to face” with sharks.

The site explains that its hammerhead and tiger shark expeditions in the Bahamas are “unique shark trips ... run exclusively for shark enthusiasts and photographers”.

To ensure “the best results we will be ’chumming’ the water with fish and fish parts,” the website explains. “Consequently, there will be food in the water at the same time as the divers. Please be aware that these are not ’cage’ dives, they are open water experiences.”