ROYAL CARIBBEAN PASSENGER DIES DURING SNORKELLING IN ST. MAARTEN

A passenger travelling on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas died during a snorkelling excursion in St. Maarten on Thursday. The passenger disembarked the ship with their family to participate in a snorkelling activity in the island's waters. According to reports, the passenger suffered a medical emergency whilst in the water. They were transported to Port St. Maarten for medical attention but were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The Star of the Seas, a 1,196-foot vessel, was the only cruise ship docked at the port at the time. The passenger's family elected to have the body placed in the ship's morgue rather than arrange for it to be flown home from the island. The specific nature of the medical emergency remains unclear. It is also unknown whether the snorkelling tour was arranged through Royal Caribbean or through an independent operator.

The passenger has not been publicly identified. Royal Caribbean was contacted for comment on the incident. The cruise line has not released a statement regarding the circumstances of the death or any actions taken in response.