Watch: Shark Spotted at Dorsch Beach Days After Fatal Attack

ST. CROIX — A shark was spotted Saturday at Dorsch Beach in the same general area where a woman was fatally bitten earlier this week, prompting renewed calls for caution among residents and visitors using the beach.

The sighting comes days after Arlene Lillis, a visitor from Minnesota, sustained fatal injuries while swimming at Dorsch Beach. Territorial officials have since confirmed that her injuries were caused by a shark. However, authorities have not been able to positively identify the shark involved in the fatal incident, including its species.

Because the shark responsible for the earlier attack has not been identified, officials have not made any determination regarding whether the shark seen Saturday is connected to the fatal incident. Investigations into the attack remain ongoing.

Following the fatality, multiple agencies — including the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the V.I. Police Department, the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency, St. Croix Rescue, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the U.S. Coast Guard — were involved in response, recovery, and safety coordination efforts. Personal items belonging to Lillis were later recovered from the water by St. Croix Rescue and returned to her family.

Territorial officials have emphasized that the ocean is a wild and unpredictable environment and have urged the public to follow guidance issued by DPNR regarding marine safety. DPNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has previously stated that while shark encounters can occur in local waters, incidents resulting in bites are rare.

In response to the fatal attack, DPNR and the V.I. Department of Tourism announced plans to collaborate on a public education and sensitization campaign to provide information on ocean safety and how to respond in the event of a shark encounter.

As of Saturday, no additional injuries have been reported. Authorities continue to advise beachgoers to remain alert, exercise caution in and around the water, and rely on verified information as monitoring and investigative efforts continue.