Bahamas police investigate alleged assault of American tourist

An American tourist from Ohio, Briana Bazel, has alleged she was assaulted by a jet ski operator in New Providence, Bahamas. The incident reportedly occurred on September 10 after Bazel declined the man's sexual advances outside a bar on Palm Tree Avenue.

Bazel claims she and a friend had originally met the man at Goodman’s Bay Beach, where he offered them alternative water sports and sightseeing services. She alleges that later that night, the operator and an associate, described as a taxi driver, picked them up from an eatery. Following the alleged assault, the men reportedly fled in a blue Honda Fit, leaving some of Bazel's personal belongings behind.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has issued a wanted flyer for a 20-year-old man suspected of causing harm. Chief Superintendent Sheria King confirmed the matter is under active investigation. This incident follows concerns raised by the U.S. Embassy in June regarding safety and sexual assault reports related to jet ski operations in the country.