A 34-year-old man who was visiting Anguilla from India on a corporate retreat has died after using an underwater scooter while snorkelling off Sandy Island.
Arpit Namdev was found unresponsive in the water about 30 to 40 feet offshore after entering the sea with the propulsion device on 14 July.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force confirmed his death in a press release on 20 July following inquiries from Anguilla Focus.
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They said that at about 12.40pm on the day in question, emergency services were dispatched following reports that a man had been pulled from the water after becoming unresponsive while snorkelling.
Initial investigations revealed that a group of employees from an international company, namely Experian, were visiting Sandy Island as part of a corporate retreat.
After completing an initial snorkelling session with colleagues, Namdev, a software engineer who had arrived in Anguilla on 9 July, entered the water a second time alone with an underwater scooter.
When about 30 to 40 feet offshore, he was spotted floating motionless in the water. He was immediately brought ashore, where emergency medical assistance was rendered.
Police said CPR commenced at about 12.35pm before Namdev was transported by boat to Sandy Ground and then by ambulance to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 1.30pm, police said.
The coroner attended the scene and ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
“At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of foul play, and the incident is being treated as a suspected drowning pending the outcome of the autopsy,” police said.
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force extends its sincere condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Police urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when taking part in water activities.
They advised people to stay within their swimming and snorkelling abilities, avoid entering the water alone where possible, and follow safety guidance provided by tour operators and emergency personnel.
Anyone with information can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
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