URGENT UPDATE: A U.S. citizen has gone missing during a Caribbean cruise, prompting an extensive search in Sint Maarten. Ann Evans, 55, was reported missing after she disembarked from the Rotterdam, a Holland America ship, on November 20, 2023.
According to the Police Force of Sint Maarten, Evans exited the ship around 10:00 a.m. for an organized island tour. Unfortunately, she disembarked the tour bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, and failed to return. Local authorities are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward immediately.
In a statement to USA Today, Holland America confirmed that they “notified local authorities immediately and we are working closely with them to confirm the guest’s whereabouts.” The cruise, which departed from Fort Lauderdale on November 16, is currently on a 12-day journey through the Caribbean.
The search for Evans follows several recent cruise-related incidents that have raised concerns about passenger safety. Earlier this month, the body of Anna Kepner, 18, was discovered under a bed on a Carnival cruise ship after she went missing. Investigations revealed that her stepbrother was a suspect in her death, which has left the family reeling.
Additionally, in October, a tragic incident occurred when Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old woman, was left behind during an excursion in Australia and was later found dead on Lizard Island. This prompted Coral Expeditions to cancel the remainder of their cruise and issue refunds to passengers.
As the search for Ann Evans continues, authorities in Sint Maarten are working tirelessly to locate her. This latest incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for cruise passengers during excursions.
What to Watch Next: Updates on the search efforts for Ann Evans are expected shortly as local law enforcement continues to gather information. Stay tuned for more developments on this unfolding story.
