_ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA_

_Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM)_

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

_Police Investigate Suspected Drowning Incident in English Harbour_

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Monday, 2 March 2026

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 73-year-old visitor to the island.

At approximately 11:17 a.m. on Saturday, 28 February, police officers at Dockyard Police Station responded to a report of a suspected drowning in the English Harbour area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Christopher Graham Jones of England was on a snorkeling excursion in the vicinity of Galleon Beach when he reportedly began experiencing difficulties while swimming.

The captain of a nearby vessel went to his aid, after he observed persons in the water signaling for help. The victim was pulled aboard the vessel and (CPR) was immediately administered.

He was taken ashore, where members of the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team continued life-saving procedures.

He was subsequently transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:39 p.m. by a medical practitioner.

The victim and his wife arrived in Antigua earlier on Saturday, aboard a cruise vessel from Barbados.

A post-mortem examination is expected in the matter. Investigations remain ongoing.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda extends sincere condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.

The Police are appealing to residents and visitors to be extremely cautious while at the beach, and to ensure that appropriate safety measures are observed at all times.

END