Missing cruise ship passenger found dead in Caribbean after solo hike
· Toronto Sun
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source
Visit syntagm.co.za for more information.
The body of a cruise ship passenger was found on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis, after vanishing last week during a hike.
Wang Zyuan, 33, was discovered on Monday by one of the search teams, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) said in a statement on Facebook .
Efforts were launched by multiple agencies and volunteers on May 27, after the Chinese national went hiking without a guide on the Mt. Liamuiga trail.
The trail is located on the dormant volcano, the highest peak on St. Kitts at nearly 1,200 metres.
Called for help
At about 2 p.m. that same day, Wang called 911 to report that he was lost in the mountains, police said, adding later that they lost contact with the hiker.
“A joint search and rescue team was immediately mobilized and conducted operations through the evening of May 27th,” the RSCNPF said in its statement . “The team resumed the search on the morning of May 28th, combing the hillside up to the crater.”
The RSCNPF issued a public request for volunteers to assist with efforts in finding the tourist, in a Facebook plea shared on May 28.
“We are asking experienced hikers, trail users, farmers, and physically capable members of the public to join the search team tomorrow morning,” the force wrote.
Prior to confirming Wang’s death, the RSCNPF urged those planning to join the hike travel with a registered guide, inform others of their route plans and expected return times, and ensure their mobile devices are fully charged before starting their search.
“The Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wang’s family, friends, and associates during this painful time,” the statement added.
“We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and to rely only on official sources for accurate information as this matter proceeds.”
‘Extremely strenuous’ hike
While the cruise line Wang was travelling on has not been disclosed, Royal Caribbean includes the “ Mount Liamuiga Volcano Hike ” on a list of excursions on its website, warning that the “rugged mountain hike” is “extremely strenuous.”
It adds: “The trail is rough and can be muddy or slippery. Guests should be physically fit with no balance or stability issues.”
Police did not provide further details, including cause of death, saying only that the investigation remains ongoing.