A 56-year-old woman from Minnesota died Thursday afternoon following a suspected shark attack at Dorsch Beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands, authorities report. The U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department confirmed receiving multiple emergency calls related to the incident.

Preliminary reports indicate the woman was swimming at Dorsch Beach when the attack occurred. First responders were dispatched to the scene, but efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at the beach.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, while generally considered safe for swimming, does occasionally experience shark encounters. Dorsch Beach is located on St. Croix, one of the three main islands that comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands archipelago. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the specific species of shark involved and assess the risk to public safety.

The Police Department has not released the woman's name pending notification of her family. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. This marks a rare but tragic event in the territory, prompting a review of safety protocols at popular beaches.