Accidental parasailing death on St. Thomas
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 4:14 pm
Just got a press release:
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Post Office Box 6400, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804
Telephone: (340) 774-8784 Facsimile: (340) 774-4390
Updated: November 16, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
The Government of the United States Virgin Islands is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred yesterday afternoon involving two visitors to St. Thomas that has resulted in one fatality.
At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, two visitors – both passengers on the Celebrity Eclipse, were involved in an accident while participating in a parasail shore excursion off St. Thomas. One of the visitors was seriously injured and remains hospitalized, while the other has passed away as a result of her injuries.
Governor de Jongh expresses his deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic accident and has directed the Department of Tourism to work closely with the victims’ family to provide support and assistance in this time of need.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are being actively investigated and additional details will be shared as soon as they are available.
Upon notification of the incident, several Government agencies were convened to investigate the matter, including Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and Attorney General’s Office. These agencies have also been working in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard at the Federal level.
In addition, the Department of Tourism remains in close contact with Celebrity Cruises to ensure that there is constant communication regarding the incident and to ensure that any concerns of cruise guests are addressed.
We remain committed to working closely with all our partners to ensure a safe visitor experience. As a prudent measure in response to the incident, the Government of the Virgin Islands has worked closely with the parasail company who has voluntarily suspended operations until the completion of the full-compliance inspection.
As additional information becomes available, updates will be posted to www.usviupdate.com.
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Post Office Box 6400, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804
Telephone: (340) 774-8784 Facsimile: (340) 774-4390
Updated: November 16, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
The Government of the United States Virgin Islands is deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred yesterday afternoon involving two visitors to St. Thomas that has resulted in one fatality.
At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, two visitors – both passengers on the Celebrity Eclipse, were involved in an accident while participating in a parasail shore excursion off St. Thomas. One of the visitors was seriously injured and remains hospitalized, while the other has passed away as a result of her injuries.
Governor de Jongh expresses his deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic accident and has directed the Department of Tourism to work closely with the victims’ family to provide support and assistance in this time of need.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are being actively investigated and additional details will be shared as soon as they are available.
Upon notification of the incident, several Government agencies were convened to investigate the matter, including Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and Attorney General’s Office. These agencies have also been working in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard at the Federal level.
In addition, the Department of Tourism remains in close contact with Celebrity Cruises to ensure that there is constant communication regarding the incident and to ensure that any concerns of cruise guests are addressed.
We remain committed to working closely with all our partners to ensure a safe visitor experience. As a prudent measure in response to the incident, the Government of the Virgin Islands has worked closely with the parasail company who has voluntarily suspended operations until the completion of the full-compliance inspection.
As additional information becomes available, updates will be posted to www.usviupdate.com.