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St. Kitts and Nevis has reported its third suspected tourist drowning in less than two months after an elderly British man tragically lost his life while snorkeling at Shitten Bay on Saturday, February 1. According to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), 81-year-old John Edward Jeffrey, a passenger aboard the cruise vessel Iona, was found unresponsive in the water during a snorkeling excursion.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard received the distress call around 11:30 a.m. and responded promptly to the scene. Investigations revealed that Jeffrey had been snorkeling when he was noticed motionless in the water. He was swiftly retrieved from the water and brought aboard the tour vessel, where efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The tourist was transported to the Coast Guard pier, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have indicated that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

This incident marks the third suspected drowning involving tourists in the federation since December. On December 17, 2024, 56-year-old Gemma Manegable, a passenger aboard the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, was found unresponsive in the water at Carambola Beach Club in South Friar’s Bay. Just two days later, on December 19, Vivien-Ann Hammond, who had arrived on the Spirit of Adventure Saga cruise ship, collapsed after swimming at Cockleshell Beach.

The series of tragic events has raised concerns over the safety of tourists engaging in water activities, prompting calls for increased vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent further incidents.