In a tragic incident on Thursday, a woman from Minnesota lost her life after a shark attack in the U.S. Virgin Islands resulted in the amputation of her arm.

The victim, identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis, succumbed to her injuries following the encounter, as confirmed by a statement from the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department.

Emergency services were alerted when multiple calls came in shortly before 4:30 p.m., reporting a shark attack at Dorcsh Beach on the island of St. Croix.

The attack occurred approximately an hour and a half before sunset, casting a shadow over the idyllic beach setting.

As of now, the species of shark responsible for the attack remains unidentified.

Marine units as well as fire crews and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, according to police.

Fire officials confirmed the woman lost an arm during the attack and later succumbed to her injuries.

While it was reported there may have been a second victim, St. Croix Rescue searched the perimeter of the beach area and did not find anyone else.

Witnesses told authorities they had spotted a shark with a body in its mouth following the attack. (Getty)

Police have not shared if the shark has been located, or what led to the attack.

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim, and with everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. wrote in a statement. “We have been briefed on the information known at this time, and we are grateful to the bystanders who acted immediately to render aid and to the first responders who worked urgently and bravely in an effort to save her life.”

Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach also expressed condolences and gratitude to first responders.

It is unclear what led to Thursday’s shark attack in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Getty Images)

“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and all who are grieving this loss,” Roach wrote. “In moments like this, we are reminded how quickly life can change. We thank the individuals on the scene who stepped forward to help, and we commend our first responders for their swift action and professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances.”

The investigation is ongoing, according to authorities.

About two weeks earlier, a 55-year-old woman vanished off the coast of California, with witnesses telling authorities they had seen a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth.

The Pacific Grove Police Department told CBS News the incident was being investigated as a possible shark attack, though the Coast Guard said there was “insufficient evidence” to confirm the case was related to the reported shark sighting.