An American woman is missing after she did not return to her cruise ship in St. Martin. Ann Evans, 55, was a passenger on the cruise ship Rotterdam. She disembarked for an island tour on November 20 but failed to rejoin her group or the ship.
Key Takeaways
- Ann Evans, 55, is missing after a cruise stop in St. Martin.
- She was a passenger on the Holland America Line ship Rotterdam.
- Evans left the ship for an organized tour and did not return.
- Law enforcement on both Dutch and French sides of the island are searching.
Search Underway in St. Martin
The Police Force of St. Martin (KPSM) confirmed the missing person report. Ms. Evans was a guest aboard the Rotterdam, which was docked in Port St. Martin. The incident occurred during an organized island tour.
During the tour, Evans left the bus in Marigot, which is located on the French side of Saint Martin. She did not return to the bus at the designated time. Subsequently, she did not board the cruise ship before its departure.
Missing Person Details
- Name: Ann Evans
- Age: 55 years old
- Ship: MS Rotterdam (Holland America Line)
- Last Seen: Marigot, French Saint Martin
- Date of Disappearance: November 20
Coordinated Efforts by Authorities
Authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island are working together. The Government of Sint Maarten issued a missing persons alert. This alert helps spread information and calls for public assistance.
The KPSM and the French Gendarmerie are leading the search operations. They are asking anyone with information regarding Ms. Evans' whereabouts to contact them immediately. The cooperation between the two jurisdictions is crucial for this type of cross-border search.
"Efforts to locate Ms. Evans are ongoing, and law enforcement authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have been alerted," stated the Government of Sint Maarten in their official alert.
The Cruise Ship and Its Journey
The Rotterdam is a part of the Holland America Line fleet. It is one of the newer ships in their collection. The vessel has a substantial capacity, able to accommodate over 2,600 passengers at double occupancy. When fully booked, it can host up to 4,173 guests.
Cruise ship disappearances, while rare, often trigger complex investigations involving multiple international agencies. The ship's manifest and passenger records are typically reviewed to gather more information about the missing individual.
Understanding Cruise Ship Safety
Cruise lines implement various safety protocols. These include passenger counts before departure from ports. However, individuals are generally free to explore ports of call independently or via organized tours. Passengers are responsible for returning to the ship before its scheduled departure time.
Unanswered Questions Remain
Details about Ms. Evans' travel arrangements are not yet public. It is unknown if she was traveling alone or with companions. This information could be important for investigators to understand her movements and potential contacts on the island.
The investigation will likely include interviewing fellow passengers who were on the same tour. They might have seen Ms. Evans after she left the bus. Local businesses in Marigot could also provide surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.
Public Assistance Requested
The KPSM and French Gendarmerie urge anyone who may have seen Ann Evans, or has any information about her, to come forward. Every piece of information can be vital in locating a missing person. The public's help is often critical in these situations.
The incident serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant, especially when exploring new destinations. Always be aware of your surroundings and communicate your plans to travel companions or ship staff.
The Broader Impact on Travel
Such incidents can raise concerns among travelers, particularly those considering cruise vacations. However, cruise lines maintain that passenger safety is a top priority. They often work closely with local authorities during port calls.
The Caribbean is a popular cruise destination, attracting millions of tourists each year. Islands like St. Martin rely heavily on tourism, and local authorities are committed to ensuring visitor safety. The swift response from both Dutch and French police demonstrates this commitment.
St. Martin: A Unique Island
- St. Martin is divided into two distinct parts.
- The northern French side is Saint-Martin.
- The southern Dutch side is Sint Maarten.
- The island is a major hub for Caribbean tourism.
As the search continues, the focus remains on finding Ann Evans. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from law enforcement agencies.
