A tourist visiting St. Thomas from South Ogden, Utah, drowned Saturday when he was overcome by rough seas and high waves, the V.I. Police Department reported Tuesday.
According to police, 911 dispatchers notified officers of the drowning about 12:45 p.m. Saturday and spoke to the victim’s fiancé, who said she and 47-year-old James Handley were in the water. She said the victim had an oar, which floated away from him and that he was soon struggling in the water.
Several people tried to help, but the water was rough and the waves were high. About an hour later the victim’s body was found floating near Neltjeberg Beach and was recovered by police officers and other rescue personnel.
Handley was later pronounced dead by medical staff.
