Boy, 9, recovering from Bimini dog attack reunites with Coast Guard crew who saved his life

MIAMI — A 9-year-old South Florida boy who suffered life-threatening injuries in a dog attack while vacationing in Bimini nearly a month ago has reunited with the U.S. Coast Guard crew that helped get him to Miami for emergency treatment.

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Beau Brattain was attacked by several dogs on July 29 while collecting sand on a beach in Bimini, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. They said he suffered numerous bites to his legs, arm, face and head, including the loss of part of his scalp.

Authorities said the Coast Guard crew evacuated Beau and his father from the Bahamas to Miami-Dade County, where Beau was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center for treatment.

Beau has undergone multiple surgeries and is expected to need additional procedures and therapy as he continues to recover.

His mother, Aliette Trelles, told Local 10 News on Friday that Beau is improving each day but still faces a long recovery.

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“Beau is improving every day, and his positivity and spirit remain strong, but he has a long road ahead and with a number of additional surgeries scheduled,” Trelles said.

Trelles previously told Local 10 News that Beau was collecting sand for hermit crabs when the dogs suddenly attacked him. She said he managed to get back to the home where he was staying with family and friends.

Harrington Rolle, of South Bimini, was arrested in connection with the attack and faces charges including negligently causing grievous harm and failing to control a dangerous dog, according to Bahamian police.

Beau’s family has created a GoFundMe to help with his medical and rehabilitation expenses as he continues his recovery.

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