An American tourist was seriously injured after being attacked by a shark during a spearfishing trip in the Bahamas over the weekend, according to local reports. 

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a Facebook post that the incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, near Big Grand Cay, located on the island of Abaco.

The 63-year-old victim was initially treated at a nearby clinic before being airlifted to the United States for further medical care. Authorities have not released additional details.

While shark attacks in the Bahamas are rare, the country has one of the world’s highest rates relative to its population.

A tiger shark swims near Grand Bahama Island in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

A month later, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten in the leg during a shark tank experience at a Paradise Island resort. The boy was taken to hospital and survived the attack. 

The U.S. State Department has also warned travelers of shark-related risks in the region.

In March, it issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, urging Americans to “exercise increased caution,” particularly due to shark-related risks.

“Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death,” the advisory warned.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com