islands

Jan. 9 (UPI) — A shark attacked and killed a Minnesota woman while she swam in waters along Dorsch Beach in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Thursday afternoon.

The Virgin Islands Police Department received an emergency call reporting the shark attack at 4:28 p.m. local time, and marine units and fire and emergency medical services personnel responded.

They found a woman who lost an arm in the attack and searched for a possible second victim, but found no one else.

The woman later was identified as Arlene Lillis, 56, of Minnesota, and she eventually died from her injuries.

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the victim, and with everyone who witnessed this tragedy,” Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said in a statement.

“We have been briefed on the information known at this time,” Bryan said. “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.”

The type of shark was not identified, and the attack remains under investigation.

It is the second fatal shark attack that was confirmed in the United States and its territories in recent weeks.

Erica Fox, 55, died when a shark attacked her in California’s Monterey Bay in December.

She initially was reported missing, but her body eventually was found.

A coroner said Fox died from “sharp and blunt-force injuries and submersion in water due to a shark attack.”

This small European country is made up of over 2,000 islands and is under a three-hour flight from the UK. It might not be as popular with tourists as some other European destinations, but it has a lot to offer

A petite European nation, comprising 2,000 islands and a relatively short jaunt from the UK, Estonia is an under-the-radar gem that sees a modest number of visitors.

If you’re yearning for a change of scenery and fancy venturing off the beaten track this year, then Estonia might just tickle your fancy. According to ETIAS, this Northern European jewel lured 70,000 Brits in 2024, a stark contrast to the whopping 17.8 million who flocked to Spain.

That’s 254 times more Brits jetting off to Spain than the former Soviet state. While it may not offer the same allure of sangria, guaranteed sun and Full English breakfasts, Estonia has plenty of other charms up its sleeve. For starters, it’s a haven of natural beauty.

Over half of Estonia is blanketed by forests and peat bogs, and the country boasts over 2,000 islands, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Beautiful seaside town now ‘dying a death’ and ‘depressing’ as 1 in 4 shops lie empty

OPINION

Milo Boyd

Among these is Naissaar, home to the remnants of deserted Soviet military bases. Nestled just off the coast of the capital, Tallinn, it takes on a desolate, somewhat forgotten aura during the winter months.

Another gem is Hiiumaa, renowned for its lighthouses, unspoilt beaches and forests. It exudes tranquillity and a slightly mystical vibe, making it an ideal spot for cycling, birdwatching and escaping the hustle and bustle.

The Mirror’s Ines Santos explored one of Estonia’s most renowned islands last summer. “As I stepped off the ferry onto Estonia’s largest island, Hiiumaa, all I could hear were birds. All I could see were trees. No big buildings, no tourist attractions – just space to breathe and land untouched by mass tourism. It felt like a place still undiscovered. (And with the third fewest visitors in Europe, it kind of is),” she penned.

Ines was instantly captivated by the nation, embracing its unhurried rhythm and the mindset of its residents. “Estonian life is relaxed. There’s no ‘hustle culture,’ so people have time for hobbies, and visitors like me get to join in,” she observed.

“Sauna culture in Estonia is woven into daily life much like in Scandinavia. In fact, the country feels like the laid-back cousin of the Nordics, with similar design, a love for nature, and a fish-rich diet – but shaped by a very different history.

“Tallinn’s Old Town is full of cobbled streets and medieval buildings that still echo traces of both German and Soviet rule. Estonia only became independent in 1991, and it still wears its freedom with quiet pride. The next morning, I ferried to Estonia’s biggest islands: Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. That’s where the true beauty of the country lies. The ferries here are spacious, modern, and spotless – they feel more like floating lounges than basic transport. There’s many indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a café, and even a convenience store onboard.

“My first activity in Hiiumaa ended up being a favourite: horse riding along Käina Bay, a seaside bird paradise in the Kassari Landscape Reserve. I rode a horse named Custiv through wetlands and woodlands, and he was the best – he did not go off track and followed all my instructions!”.

Tallinn manages to squeeze an extraordinary amount into its modest footprint, seamlessly merging medieval character with contemporary flair. The simplest starting point is Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone lanes, historic merchant buildings and ancient towers guide visitors towards Toompea Hill for sweeping vistas across the city.

For those seeking culture, make your way to Kadriorg Park, a verdant space commissioned by Peter the Great, and explore the refined Kadriorg Art Museum. Close by, the Seaplane Harbour Museum presents one of Europe’s most captivating maritime displays.

To experience contemporary Tallinn, discover the Telliskivi Creative City, brimming with street art, coffee shops and boutique retailers, or wander along the rejuvenated Noblessner waterfront. Rummu Quarry, one of Estonia’s most captivating and unique attractions, offers a blend of raw natural splendour and eerie history.

Once a limestone quarry and Soviet-era prison labour camp, it was deserted in the 1990s and slowly filled with water, submerging buildings and machinery beneath the pristine turquoise depths. Nowadays, it draws visitors for swimming, snorkelling and diving, as well as hiking the surrounding ash hills for sweeping views.

The stark contrast between the vibrant water, stark white limestone and semi-submerged ruins lends Rummu Quarry an otherworldly feel.

The most budget-friendly time to visit Estonia is from January to March, but if you’re after warmer climes, May is your best bet. Car hire in the capital can be as cheap as £6 per day, and accommodation at Dream Stay – Mere Residence Apartments starts from £51 per night (for two people).

Estonia recently made it onto DiscoverCars. com’s list of must-visit destinations.

Flights from London clock in just under three hours and are going for £17 this month.

Love Island host, Maya Jama, was notably absent from the show’s All Stars launch this week after she was forced to pull out of the glitzy event due to ill health

TV star, Maya Jama, has updated fans on her health after missing Love Island’s All Stars launch yesterday. Fans of the ITV reality show had hoped to see the host at the glitzy event in London – when the line-up was announced – however, Maya was forced to pull out after falling ill.

Thankfully, viewers needn’t worry because the Bristol-born star, 31, will still be hosting the show, which kicks off on Monday, January 12. Taking to Instagram, admitting she’d been ‘knocked out by flu’, Maya shared a snap of herself flying to South Africa where the series is filmed.

Seen lying in one of the aircraft’s plush beds, sporting a fluffy cream jumper and an eye mask, she wrote: “Used to spend this flight on the reds chatting away to the flight crew, but entering this year wholesome… Lol truthfully the flu came in last minute to kick my ass for the last 24hrs. Vitamin c’d up and praying the sun deletes it all, next stop,” with a South African flag emoji.

READ MORE: Maya Jama misses Love Island All Stars launch just days before show beginsREAD MORE: Love Island All Stars savage co-star row uncovered after cruel ‘dolphin’ tweet

While Maya was due to attend the loved-up launch on Monday, the panel’s host Elizabeth Day announced that she was unable to attend after feeling unwell.

Confirming her illness, a representative said: “Maya is unfortunately unwell and wasn’t able to attend this morning’s launch event. She looks forward to the Love Island All Stars premiere on January 12th.”

Fans can’t wait for the spin-off show to kick off next week in which former Islanders try and find love in the villa again.

And it already looks like there’s going to be plenty of drama before the opening credits have started rolling after fans uncovered a tweet by confirmed All Star, Helena Ford, which reveals her secret feud with a fellow star.

After the 2026 line-up was revealed by ITV yesterday, fans uncovered old tweets seemingly written by Helena in which she accuses series three’s Charlie Frederick of ‘closing down’ her 16th birthday party. The pair are set to reunite in the All Stars villa in just a few days time.

In a tweet which dates back to 2018, Helena appears to have written: “Nah that Charlie Fredrick [sic] kid got my 16th party closed down, said I looked like a dolphin.”

Sharing the tweet online, one fan wrote: “So seems like Helena and Charlie have met. Helena tweeted this about Charlie in 2018. This tweet went viral last year. #LoveIsland.”

Another wrote on Reddit: “This is bonkers. And honestly exactly the kind of beef I want lmaooooo please let this be a major plot point it’s so bizarre and hilarious.”

Meanwhile, a third declared: “Ok now this is the kinda foolishness I can get behind!”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

LOVE Island star Paige Thorne was left with a bloodied nose after her boyfriend accidentally punched her in the face on a ski slope.

Paige, 28, and Josh Foreman filmed themselves having fun on the slopes of Avoriaz, France, as they sledded down a mountain on his snowboard.

After one failed attempt, they had another go and burst out laughing as they came to a stop in the powdery snow close to the bottom.

But as they lay giggling, the snowboard began to slide down the slope.

Josh reacted quickly and sprung up to chase it down, unwittingly bashing Paige’s face in the process.

She staggered down the remainder of the slope on foot filming herself on a selfie stick saying: “I’ve got a nose bleed.”

READ MORE ON PAIGE THORNE

WEIGHT A MINUTE

Paige Thorne accused of ‘toxic message’ after moaning she’s gained 6lbs

PAIGE TURNER

Love Island’s Paige Thorne ditches bra for sultry photoshoot

When she eventually caught up with Josh she said: “You punched me in the nose as you stood up.”

Shocked, he replied: “Shut up! Did you get it on camera?”

In the comments, one follower wrote: “Omg he didn’t even realise lol. Bet that hurt! What are you filming with just out of interest?”

Paige replied: “I know, he’s got such thick gloves he had no clue! Surprisingly it didn’t but I think because of the altitude and the cold it just made it real easy to bleed lol x.”

The paramedic found the mountains tough going overall, writing that the region wasn’t for “the faint-hearted”.

Paige recently faced backlash for saying she has “let herself go” after putting on 6lbs since she and Josh started dating.

She said on TikTok: “I honestly thought it was a myth – you get a boyfriend, you find the right one, you settle down and then do you know what happens?

“You stop caring about your appearance, you let yourself go, yada yada yada.

“I always thought no, that will never be me.”

However, Paige said that she’s been “smashing” three advent calendar chocolates a day, as well as skipping the gym – which has led to her skin breaking out and a gain of 6lbs.

The comments section of the TikTok was almost immediately filled with people responding to Paige’s weight admission, with many insisting she needs to be more responsible with her videos.

“This is a toxic message to girls,” one raged.

A local in Lanzarote has been left confused by the weather warnings for Storm Francis, which is expected to bring strong gusts, heavy thunderstorms and even snow to the Canary Islands

Tourists planning trips to the Canary Islands have been cautioned about Storm Francis, which was forecast to bring powerful winds, torrential thunderstorms and even snowfall to the area.

However, one resident in Lanzarote has expressed bewilderment over these alerts. Mr Travelon has shared a TikTok video showing the actual conditions on the island at present.

Whilst there have been slightly breezy spells in the popular resort, the weather is far from the severe conditions anticipated. So the expat, filmed standing on the beach beneath clear blue skies, questioned: “Where’s this storm Francis? Because it hasn’t arrived yet in Lanzarote.”

The Lanzarote resident was sporting sunglasses while delivering his update. And despite wearing a fleece, he didn’t require a heavy winter coat.

His video went on: “It was meant to arrive New Year’s Day, we were meant to be seeing the new year in with a storm. Seas looking a little bit choppy, there’s a red flag up there saying ‘do not swim’ and I certainly wouldn’t be getting in that today. But is the storm here… it’s about 14 degrees!”

The holidaymaker then swept his camera across the island, giving viewers a glimpse of the conditions on January 2. He went on: “It is definitely a little bit breezy and the sun is coming up just over there.

“The trees are blowing so we’ve definitely got some sort of medium storm on the way, but they did say it’s possibly going to pass quite quickly. Will it be a pool day today? I doubt it. But that dark cloud is looking like it might start raining.”

The climate in Lanzarote appears considerably more pleasant than what we’re currently experiencing back home in Britain – but that doesn’t mean it won’t change.

There remains a possibility the storm could arrive later today, so tourists are still being told to exercise caution over the next few days.

Consequently, Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has urged travellers bound for the Canary Islands to stay informed about weather updates.

AEMET stated: “Due to the high level of uncertainty regarding the evolving situation and the potential impact on outdoor activities in the coming days, close monitoring of forecast updates is recommended.

“Today, Storm Francis is expected to affect the Canary Islands, bringing southwesterly winds to coastal areas with very strong gusts, as well as locally heavy and persistent thunderstorms that will move from west to east throughout the day and into the early hours of tomorrow.

“Strong winds will persist in exposed areas and mid-altitude zones until the middle of the 3rd. On the Iberian Peninsula, after a few days of relative stability with scattered showers in the Cantabrian region and the western third of the peninsula, increased instability is likely from the 3rd onwards in areas of the southern and southeastern thirds, with showers that could be locally heavy and persistent in areas of the Gulf of Cádiz, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol, and Cabo de La Nao.

“On the 4th and 5th, the potential interaction with the cold air mass could bring snowfall to mid- to low-lying elevations in the southeastern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula, with the highest probability and accumulations expected in the eastern Iberian System, the eastern part of the southern plateau, the mountain ranges of the Valencian Community, and the area around the Baetic System. It is possible that snowfall will extend, with less intensity, to other areas of the Iberian System, the central peninsula, and the northeastern third of the peninsula. Additionally, snow showers are expected at mid-elevations in the Cantabrian area.

“From the 6th onwards, the most likely scenario is that precipitation will decrease in intensity and extent in southern areas, although it could still be locally heavy in the Strait of Gibraltar and Melilla, while snowfall will become restricted to mountainous areas, especially in the northern third of the peninsula.”

The Canary Islands has been included in a ‘No List’ for travel following protests against overtourism in recent years – with holiday lets blamed for rising house prices

The Canary Islands are a firm favourite for Brit holidaymakers thanks to their year-round sun and luxurious resorts.

However, in recent years local residents have launched protests against overtourism on the Spanish islands. People blame rising house prices on holiday lets, and have been left furious about the environmental impact of millions of visitors.

‘Tourists go home’ has been spotted graffitied on locations across the Canary Islands. The slogan has also popped up in popular destinations on the Spanish mainland.

This all led to the Canary Islands being included in a ‘No List’ by travel guide Fodor’s Travel for 2025 – and it’s on the list again for 2026. The publication clarified that the list is “not a call for boycott”, but the aim is “to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities“, Manchester Evening News reports.

It said the key issues highlighted by the list are “overtouristed sites, fragile ecosystems and communities struggling to stay afloat”. Fodor’s said: “The No List serves a gentle but pointed nudge to ease up on a spot for now–not forever–and give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather.”

Regarding the Canary Islands, it cited that tourism has soared in 2025, with 7.8million visitors arriving in the islands and more than 27million airport passengers processed in the first half of the year, a five per cent increase on the previous years. Fodor’s points out that tourism contributes to more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40 per cent of its population, “yet success comes at a price”.

The impact of visitors on traffic, housing (such as driving up rental prices), damage to the natural environment and water scarcity is felt by the local population. The guide said: “Academics and experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is unsustainable.”

It added: “For many Canarians, tourism is both a lifeline and a burden. The islands rely heavily on visitor spending, yet locals often see little of it. “

Last year other Spanish destinations Barcelona and Majorca, however, they have not been featured this year. But Fodor’s adds this doesn’t mean that tourists should descend upon them in their thousands. The publication said: “These destinations haven’t been magically cured–they’re still mired in challenges–but the usual suspects too often pull focus from other hotspots in need of a break.”

Alongside the Canary Islands, Antarctica, Glacier National Park (USA), Isola Sacra (Italy), The Jungfrau Region (Switzerland), Mexico City (Mexico), Mombasa (Kenya), Montmartre (Paris, France) also feature in this year’s ‘No List’.

With just two weeks to go until the new series of Love Island All Stars airs it has been revealed that Summer Botwe from the 2022 series is now heading to the location ahead of filming

Love Island All Stars is set to be a strong contender for being one of the best if ITV’s latest signing is anything to go by. It has been revealed that former Casa Amor bombshell Summer Botwe has signed up for the upcoming series and his heading to the villa two weeks before the show is due to air.

A source revealed that the reality TV star and influencer has already started to pack her bags and is ready to jet off to find her Mr Right. Summer appeared on the show in 2022 when she came on as one of six Casa Amor bombshells.

And during her time on the ITV2 show she made her presence known as she became part of a love triangle between Dami Hope and Indiyah Polack. Even though he had picked Summer, Dami soon changed his mind and decided to give things another go with his previous flame.

READ MORE: Molly-Mae uses this hairdresser-approved hair mask that leaves hair feeling ‘so silky’

A source told The Sun: “Summer’s packing her bags right now. She can’t wait to be on the show.” A show insider said last month: “Summer is in early talks to return to the show. She was such a huge character in series 8 and really wants to find love. All Stars has a good track record, so she’d be on the right show!”

However, ITV refused to confirm speculation at the time. Summer is no stranger to a celebrity lifestyle as her dad is the award-winning garage MC called MC CKP. Other names that have been reportedly confirmed are Belle Hassan and former winner Millie Court, following her split with Liam Reardon.

Harrison Solomon, Samie Elishi, Jess Harding and Lana Jenkins are also rumoured to be heading to the villa. The series will be held in South Africa, and host Maya Jama has previously revealed that she has already started to film segments for the show.

In a pre-recorded clip, Maya said: “So we are here on set, first bit of All Stars experience I’m having this year. Had my glam done, and the Islanders are all hidden in secret rooms. I’ve not seen any of them yet.”

She then added: “I can’t tease anything apart from the fact that you’re gonna love it, and there’ll be some familiar faces… obviously. It’s all feeling like it’s about to start happening. It’s just like Christmas, get out of the way, I’m ready to go to South Africa!”

ITV recently released a teaser video which lasted ten seconds, bringing anticipation of the upcoming series to a new level. The clip shows a series of Polaroid-style pictures which are connected with a string to notes. And the caption says: “Who’s got unfinished business?”

The teaser promises the series will have more drama than ever before, and now fans of the show are left wondering who will return to settle a few scores. The infamous narrator Ian Sterling will be returning for the latest series.

The first series of Love Island All Stars, which aired last year, saw winners Molly Smith and Tom Clare connect with each other and move in together after the show ended. Tom later popped the question while on a romantic break in Dubai

And during this year’s series Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman appeared to find love but their romance failed to stand the test of time on the outside world. Love Island: All Stars starts on January 12 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

Former Hollyoaks actor Curtis was paired with Amy Hart but he unceremoniously left her for bombshell Maura Higgins. But like many before them, they were not able to make it in the outside world and split up. There had been rumours that he cheated on her.

Others stars that have been rumoured to return this year also include Scott van-der-Sluis who was on series ten, Whitney Adebayo, Remell Ellis-Mullings, Jacques O’Neil and finally if the rumour mill is to be believed, Alima Gagigo who was on series 12.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Charlie Frederick has reportedly signed up for Love Island: All Stars, eight years on from when he briefly appeared on the regular edition of the ITV2 dating show

Charlie Frederick has reportedly signed up for Love Island: All Stars. The reality star, 29, initially appeared briefly on the 2018 edition of the ITV2 dating competition, where he was coupled up with Hayley Hughes for a matter of days before being dumped from the famous villa.

Now, it’s thought that Charlie, who also appeared on Made in Chelsea as the best friend of Sam Holmes, is set to make a return to the villa after being persuaded by bosses to take part in the spin-off, which brings back memorable characters from the regular version of the series.

This year, the ITV dating show has had a huge format shake-up, with singletons heading out to South Africa for six weeks, rather than five as has been the case in previous years.

READ MORE: Love Island’s Charlie Frederick takes swipe at ex Lucie Donlan as she heads into villaREAD MORE: Love Island stars unrecognisable from villa days – Dom Lever to Hayley Hughes

A source told The Sun: “Charlie’s been in the gym nonstop since he spoke to bosses about returning to the show. He went too early when he was on the 2018 series, the first time – this time he wants to find love!”

Following his initial stint on Love Island, Charlie claimed he would have progressed further in the competition had he not been coupled up with Hayley, and she described him as “bitter” after hearing his comments. Then, during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, the pair refused to sit with each other in the studio. At the time, Charlie explained: “We’re fine, we’re just frosty cause I’m a bit gutted to be honest. You just want to get your own piece across.

“I’m bitter and angry, not to her; I can’t hold a grudge. It is what it is. I feel like I’ve been hard done by, and my chance has been taken away from me. It was so much fun, I’m missing it.” Lorraine, who was visibly sensing the awkwardness, then jokingly told Charlie to “go away” so Hayley could come in. Charlie said it was “so awkward” as he gestured with his arms while walking out of the studio.

Hayley then appeared from the other side to avoid walking past Charlie. On her relationship with Charlie, she said: “Maybe near the end, I was a bit cold. I think that is something I need to work on. If I’m not interested in someone or can’t see it going any furthe,r I pull away.” After splitting from Hayley, Charlie had a relationship with Instagram model Natalie Clowes.

Insiders recently claimed that villa bombshell Yasmin Pettet is set to let the cameras follow her all over again, and she is currently being considered for a return to the villa when All Stars comes back to screens early next year, following her split from Jamie Rhodes. A source said: “ITV bosses are already starting to approach ex Islanders and they knew from the moment Yas stepped into the villa, she’d make the perfect ‘All Star’ – she’s one of the most controversial bombshells in the show’s history and will have absolutely no issue shaking up the villa for the second time, or treading on people’s toes.

“Now things are over with Jamie; she’s in very early, tentative talks. She’s not sure if going back to the show would be the right move, but she’s had loads of offers

Ciaran Davies finished runner-up with then-girlfriend Nicole Samuel, but they called it quits in December 2024. Bosses are now keen to get the Welsh hunk on board, although he is in the very early stages of negotiations right now.

Prior to that, it was reported that Jess Harding, who won series 10 of the regular series alongside Sammy Root, is also in talks lined up for the next competition, when it kicks off in South Africa next year.

Alima Gagigo is also said to be in meetings with bosses about a comeback, just weeks after she competed in series 12 of the programme and was dumped on Day 24. Andrada Pop, who was a bombshell in Casa Amor earlier this year, has also been approached by producers.

Single Islanders from across the 10 years of the show will return to the famous Villa in South Africa, but this time they’ll be in the villa for six weeks instead of five.

Speaking on the renewal, Mike Spencer-Hayter, Creative Director at Lifted Entertainment, said: “Love Island: All Stars has quickly established itself as a stand-alone hit, keeping fans of the show gripped by iconic Islanders from the past 10 years returning for another chance to find love. We are very excited about series 3, and you can expect the twists and turns to continue in All Stars, after an incredible smash hit summer series.”

The second series of Love Island: All Stars aired earlier this year and was won by Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman. The series also saw the reunion of Ronnie Vint and Harriet Blackmore – but it didn’t come without complaints.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.