A 59-year-old American tourist has died following a scuba diving incident off the coast of Antigua, according to local authorities.
Police in Antigua and Barbuda say the visitor, who was from North Carolina in the United States, became unresponsive during a scuba diving excursion near Red Head and Rabbit Island in the North Sound area on June 8.
Emergency responders were alerted after the diver experienced difficulties during the outing. He was brought ashore near Shell Beach before being transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m.
Authorities have not released the diver’s identity.
According to reports from local media citing the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, investigators are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. An autopsy is expected to determine the cause of death.
At this stage, officials have not disclosed whether the incident was related to a medical emergency, equipment malfunction, environmental conditions, or another factor. No details have been released regarding the diver’s certification level, experience, dive profile, or the operator involved in the excursion.
Diver fatalities are statistically rare, but incidents can result from a complex combination of factors including underlying medical conditions, environmental challenges, equipment issues, or human factors. For this reason, investigators typically await medical examinations and witness statements before reaching conclusions.
The waters around Antigua’s North Sound are well known among divers and snorkellers for their coral reefs, marine life, and generally favourable diving conditions. The area attracts visitors from around the world seeking to explore the islands’ underwater environment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional information may be released once the autopsy has been completed and inquiries progress.
The Scuba News will continue to follow this story as further details become available
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