An 81-year-old British man tragically died during a snorkeling excursion at Shitten Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis, on Saturday, February 1. John Edward Jeffrey, who was aboard the Iona cruise ship, was found unresponsive in the water, sparking emergency calls to local authorities.
According to reports from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard, they received a distress call around 11:30 AM. Despite swift action and attempts to resuscitate him aboard the tour vessel, Jeffrey could not be revived and was later pronounced dead at the Coast Guard pier. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
This incident raises serious concerns over tourists' safety during water activities on the island, marking the third suspected drowning reported since December 2024. Previous cases include the deaths of Gemma Manegable, who was found unresponsive at Carambola Beach Club following her swim on December 17, and Vivien-Ann Hammond, who died just two days later after engaging in water activities aboard the Adventure Saga cruise ship.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Saturday's incident. It appears Jeffrey was snorkeling when he was spotted floating motionless. Eyewitnesses had reported seeing him moments before, without indication he was struggling.
Authorities are no stranger to similar tragedies within the region, which has raised alarms among officials and residents alike about ensuring water safety for visitors and locals. “Efforts to resuscitate Jeffrey aboard the tour vessel were unsuccessful,” emphasized the Coast Guard, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Community advocates are calling for enhanced safety measures and guidelines to prevent such untimely deaths from recurring. The investigations' findings could become pivotal for future protocols imposed on snorkeling and other aquatic excursions provided to tourists.
With three suspected drownings occurring within months of each other, the tourism sector is left grappling with the aftermath of these incidents, which may dissuade visitors from engaging fully with the island’s endemic marine adventures.
John Edward Jeffrey's unexpected fate resonates as not just another statistic, but as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with water sports. While the beautiful waters of St. Kitts and Nevis attract many, the caregiving aspect of the tourism industry must also strive to adapt and bolster safety protocols.
Authorities have noted the importance of upcoming thorough investigations: “An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” reiterated the police force, alluding to the necessity of transparency following such unfortunate events.
This incident calls for immediate community dialogue surrounding safety measures for aquatic activities, ensuring equipment is adequately maintained and tour guides are extensively trained on emergency response. Residents and local business owners hope to restore confidence and safety for visitors who seek to enjoy the natural beauty of St. Kitts and Nevis without fear.