American Graduate Critically Injured After Being Pulled Into Ferry Propeller During Bahamas Vacation

Hannah Smith, 22, was on a trip with her best friend on the first day of their holiday when the tragedy happened

A 22-year-old American woman is fighting for her life after being sucked into a ferry propeller during a tragic boating accident in the Bahamas. Hannah Smith, an arts graduate and avid athlete from Memphis, Tennessee, was on the first day of her holiday with her best friend when the horrifying incident occurred.

Smith was on a pontoon boat in Nassau last week when she fell from the side as the vessel came in to dock. In a split second, she was dragged under the ferry’s powerful propellers, sustaining catastrophic injuries, including the partial severing of both legs. She remains in intensive care and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Hannah was rushed to Doctors Hospital in Nassau, where she underwent two surgeries

Her father, Marvin Smith, confirmed that Hannah is conscious between procedures but still heavily medicated and unaware of the full extent of her injuries. “She’s been so heavily medicated, she’s mentioned things but it’s like she’s having hallucinations,” he said.

Her mother, Tracy, added that hallucinations were part of the recovery process following sedation. “So, we have not asked her anything related to the accident. We need her focusing on her healing and not trying to remember or trying to relive it.”

Hannah’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the escalating medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Marvin paid tribute to his daughter, describing her as a "scholar, leader, and community advocate."

Hannah Smith fell off a boat while on a day excursion with fellow cruise passengers during a stop in the Bahamas

“Hannah graduated at the top of her class with Summa Cum Laude from Miles College, earning respect and admiration from her peers, professors, and sorority sisters,” Marvin wrote. “Known for her dedication to service, academic excellence, and uplifting others, Hannah now finds herself in need of the community’s support.”

Her older sister Rachel also shared a heartfelt message: “Hannah is light. Hannah is love. Hannah is absolutely HER. Our little sister is nothing short of a headache, but we wouldn’t want her any other way. She is literally the strongest of us all. We’re praying you continue to be the strongest and fight for your life, your dreams, and aspirations. This boating accident will not define your life.”

Tracy echoed the family’s emotional support, reflecting on a recent conversation with Hannah. “She said, ‘Mommy, we’re all spirits walking around here and God just loans us a body.’ Now we’ve got to stay strong for her, so we just try to follow her lead and help her in any way we can — emotionally, spiritually, physically.”

The Smith family continues to rally around Hannah as she faces a long and difficult recovery journey.