Female Dies from Shark Attack at Dorsch Beach

A.J. Pike 

St. Croix - On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at approximately 4:28 pm, the 911 Emergency Call Center received several calls of a female who was suspected to be bitten by a shark at Dorsch Beach.

Marine units as well as Fire and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the scene. Fire confirmed that the female lost an arm during the attack. 

It was first reported that there might be another victim but St. Croix Rescue made a search of the perimeter of the beach area and were unable to confirm there was another victim. 

The female later succumbed to her injuries. She was identified by her next of kin as 56-year old Arlene Lillis of Minnesota. 

An eyewitness later reported that the woman was pulled from the water with life-threatening injuries and was transported immediately to JFL Hospital. Fire officials confirmed that the victim’s arm was completely severed as a result of the attack. 

Apparently, a man, who had been trained as a lifeguard, staying at one of the hotels on the beach, heard a woman screaming for help down by the shoreline,. He ran down to find bystanders pointing to her in the water. When he swam out to save her, he saw there was a great deal of blood in the water and quickly realized the vicious attack from a shark had severed a good portion of her left arm. He took hold of her and began to tow her back to shore where paramedics and EMTs had responded quickly to the call. They immediately transported her to Juan F. Luis Hospital Emergency Room where she unfortunately died from her injuries.  

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211.

Shark attacks in the U.S. Virgin Islands are extremely rare, with only several reported over the last century. While many sharks live in the waters around the USVI, including Caribbean Reef Sharks and Tiger Sharks, encounters are uncommon due to deep drop-offs and ample prey for the sharks to feast on. Nevertheless, divers and swimmers need to be cautious especially around feeding time or in murky waters.