UPDATE: A U.S. tourist has gone missing during a Caribbean cruise, raising urgent concerns among family and authorities. Ann Evans, a 55-year-old woman from the United States, was last seen after disembarking from the Rotterdam, a Holland America ship, at Port St. Maarten on November 20.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten reports that Evans departed the ship around 10:00 a.m. for an organized island tour. She disembarked from the tour bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, but did not return to either the bus or the cruise vessel. Police have launched a search operation, urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a statement to USA Today, Holland America confirmed that they have notified local authorities and are collaborating closely with them to locate Evans. The Rotterdam, which left Fort Lauderdale on November 16, is currently on a 12-day cruise through the Caribbean.
The disappearance of Evans echoes recent troubling incidents involving cruise passengers. Earlier this month, the body of 18-year-old Anna Kepner was discovered under a bed aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Investigators revealed that her death was ruled as “mechanical asphyxia,” and they are looking into her stepbrother as a possible suspect.
Adding to the alarming trend, in October, an 80-year-old woman named Suzanne Rees was found dead after being left behind on Lizard Island during a cruise. Her tragic passing led to the cancellation of the remainder of the voyage, with the cruise operator offering full refunds to passengers.
As the search for Ann Evans continues, her family and friends are anxiously waiting for news. Authorities have expressed their determination to find her and have intensified the search efforts in the surrounding areas.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
