An American woman, identified as Ann Evans, has been reported missing after failing to return to her cruise ship in Sint Maarten last Thursday. The incident occurred while she was participating in an organized excursion during a 12-day cruise with Holland America Line that began on November 16. Local officials confirmed the alarming situation following a missing person alert issued on November 26.
Evans, 55, left the Rotterdam cruise ship around 10:00 a.m. to join a bus tour of the island. However, she did not return to the bus after the excursion concluded, nor did she make it back to the cruise vessel. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and authorities are investigating the matter.
Located in the Caribbean, Sint Maarten is divided between Dutch and French territories, with the southern portion governed by the Netherlands. Both Dutch and French law enforcement agencies are collaborating in the search for Evans, as they aim to determine her whereabouts.
The Rotterdam is the newest addition to Holland America Line’s fleet and has the capacity to accommodate over 2,600 passengers at double occupancy, or a maximum of 4,173 when fully booked. The cruise had made its second stop in Sint Maarten after a previous visit to Half Moon Cay, a private Bahamian island owned by Carnival Cruise Line.
Officials from Holland America Line have stated that they notified local authorities immediately regarding Evans’ disappearance and are closely cooperating with them to locate her. The cruise ship departed from Puerto Rico and is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on November 28.
At this time, it is unknown whether Evans was traveling alone or accompanied by others. The search for her continues, as both passengers and crew remain concerned about her welfare.
