NSRI St Lucia crew members, received multiple eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Main Beach, St Lucia.

The NSRI responded to reports of a man in distress in the surf zone at a beach in St Lucia. Eyewitnesses initially reported visual contact with a man appearing to be in difficulty in the water. NSRI duty crew and rescue swimmers responded immediately, while additional crew prepared a rescue craft at the NSRI Station 40 base. On arrival, a Good Samaritan—believed to be a local tour guide—had already reached the man using an NSRI pink rescue buoy and a surfboard, and was bringing him towards the shoreline. NSRI rescue swimmers entered the water and assisted in bringing the adult male safely to shore. Despite efforts by NSRI medics and paramedics, the man was sadly declared deceased on the scene. It is understood that the man, a 69-year-old visitor from the United States, had been swimming with a group of fellow tourists when he was found unresponsive in the water after reportedly going under a wave. Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services attended the scene. An inquest docket has been opened. The NSRI commends the swift actions of the Good Samaritan and bystanders who raised the alarm. Condolences are conveyed to the man’s family, friends, and fellow travellers. The family is receiving support from the relevant authorities.