Sugar Beach, St. Croix. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — A snorkeling trip ended tragically at Sugar Beach in Golden Rock, St. Croix, with the reported disappearance and subsequent death of a male tourist, the Consortium has learned. The information was later corroborated by the V.I. Police Department.
The St. Croix 911 Emergency Call Center received a distress call at 1:06 p.m. on Thursday, reporting that a man had been missing for hours after snorkeling with friends. According to accounts from three other male friends, the group was snorkeling at Sugar Beach Vacation Rentals when they noticed the man was no longer with them and had not returned from the water.
Responding to the call, the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources enforcement division, EMS, and the VIPD's marine units launched a search operation for the missing snorkeler.
St. Croix Rescue on location at the Colony Cove Vacation Rentals facility in Golden Rock, St. Croix on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Credit. V.I. Consortium)
The search concluded at 4:54 p.m. when the individual was discovered unresponsive near the Colony Cove area. The man, reportedly a tourist visiting St. Croix recently with his wife, was confirmed dead on arrival by EMS, as stated by the VIPD.
The VIPD is treating the friends' account of the events leading to the man's disappearance with caution, as the investigation into the exact circumstances continues. The identity of the deceased has yet to be released pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.
This incident has prompted the VIPD to remind both tourists and residents of the importance of safety and vigilance while participating in water-related activities.
The VIPD encourages anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the ongoing.
