A 61-year-old visitor has died following a diving incident off the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, despite efforts by fellow divers and emergency responders to save his life.
According to an official statement issued by the Government of St. Eustatius, the man became unwell while diving at sea at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Other divers assisted him to the surface and helped him aboard a boat, which then proceeded towards the island’s harbour to obtain medical assistance.
Emergency Services Attempted Resuscitation
Ambulance personnel responded to the incident, with support from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and other people present.
Resuscitation efforts were undertaken, but the man could not be revived. His death was subsequently confirmed by the doctor on duty.
Additional reporting by Caribbean broadcaster Live99FM, citing the Dutch Caribbean Police Force, indicates that police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The exact dive site, the man’s nationality and the circumstances that caused him to become unwell have not been publicly confirmed.
Government Offers Condolences
The Government of St. Eustatius expressed its condolences to the man’s family, friends and loved ones, while appealing to the public to respect the family’s privacy.
St. Eustatius, commonly known as Statia, is part of the Caribbean Netherlands and is an established diving destination.
Its surrounding waters include the protected St. Eustatius National Marine Park, known for coral reefs, historic wrecks and diverse marine life. The island attracts recreational divers exploring its underwater habitats.
The cause of the incident remains unconfirmed, and no further details of the circumstances leading to the diver’s death have been officially established.
The Scuba News will update this report if further verified information becomes available.
