An American woman has been reported missing after failing to return to her cruise ship in the Caribbean. Ann Evans, 55, was last seen on November 23, 2023, during an organized tour in Sint Maarten. Local officials stated that she departed the Holland America Line vessel, the Rotterdam, around 10:00 a.m. for an excursion but did not return.
Evans was part of a 12-day cruise that began on November 16 and included multiple stops in the Caribbean. The alert regarding her disappearance was issued on November 26, though the exact timing of the official report remains unclear. The tour in Sint Maarten was only the second of seven scheduled stops during the cruise.
Investigation and Search Efforts Underway
Authorities from both the Dutch and French sides of the island are collaborating in the search for Evans. Sint Maarten, the southern part of the island, is a constituent country of the Netherlands, while the northern side, known as Saint Martin, is governed by France. Their combined efforts aim to locate Evans as quickly as possible.
According to the Government of Sint Maarten, Evans boarded a bus for the island tour but never returned to the vehicle or the cruise ship. The Rotterdam, which can accommodate over 2,600 passengers at double occupancy, was on its second stop after a day spent on the beaches of Half Moon Cay, a Bahamian island owned by Carnival Cruise Line.
In a statement, Holland America Line confirmed that it had notified local authorities immediately upon learning of Evans’ absence and is working closely with them to ascertain her whereabouts. The cruise line also emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its guests.
Current Status of the Cruise
The Rotterdam departed from Puerto Rico shortly after the incident and is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on November 28. It is currently unclear whether Evans was traveling with companions or alone on this journey.
As the search continues, family and friends are left anxiously awaiting updates on Evans’ situation. The cruise line and local authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
