Hawksnest Beach in St. John. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
The President’s Day long weekend proved deadly for two visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands, who the V.I. Police Department says drowned in separate incidents.
The VIPD reports that 62-year old Tammy Kincaid, a Virginia resident, was snorkeling on Hawksnest Beach in St. John on Sunday February 19, accompanied by her husband. While the couple were watching two stingrays as they swam, Kincaid’s snorkel reportedly began to take on water. Her husband took her to a nearby reef and called for help. Bystanders attempted to resuscitate Kincaid, who was ultimately taken to shore. EMTs found no vital signs when they arrived.
On Monday, another couple was moored at Salt Pond Beach which is also located in St. John, when they took their dinghy to go snorkeling near a reef.
The man encountered difficulties when he tried to re-enter the dinghy, and once he got onboard he reportedly collapsed, according to the V.I.P.D.
He was transported to shore, 911 was notified, and attempts by EMTs were made to resuscitate him, however they were unsuccessful. Mark Burke, age 68, from Iowa was then pronounced dead.
VIPD detectives were notified of this incident at approximately 2:00 pm on February 20.
