Two Visitors Die in Separate Drowning Incidents; Toddlers Survive Near-Drowning in Turtle Cove

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is investigating two separate drowning incidents involving visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as a near-drowning incident involving two toddlers earlier this week.

Police say the first incident occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, when the Police Control Centre received reports of a medical emergency involving a man participating in a diving excursion from a vessel operating out of Providenciales.

The individual, identified as John Gordon Fraser, 64, reportedly experienced difficulties while resurfacing during the dive.

Crew members on board immediately began CPR while emergency assistance was requested. Despite these efforts, Fraser was pronounced dead at approximately 12:58 p.m.

In a separate incident on Monday, March 9, officers in Grand Turk responded to reports of a drowning near the Grand Turk Cruise Centre.

The deceased was identified as Richard Parrish, 39, a passenger aboard a cruise ship that had docked in Grand Turk.

According to police, Parrish was using the cruise centre’s water facilities and was snorkelling around 11:40 a.m. when he began experiencing difficulties.

Lifeguards on duty quickly removed him from the water and initiated CPR before he was transported to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre. Despite further attempts to resuscitate him, Parrish was later pronounced dead.

Toddlers Rescued in Turtle Cove Pool Incident

Police also confirmed a near-drowning incident involving two toddlers in the Turtle Cove area on Thursday, March 12.

Preliminary information indicates that the children, aged one and two, were at a residence with a swimming pool when a relative noticed they were missing.

A search was immediately conducted, and both children were found floating in the pool.

The relative initiated CPR, and the toddlers were transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where they remain in stable condition.

Police Urge Vigilance Around Water

The RT&CIPF is urging parents, guardians, and caregivers to remain extremely vigilant when young children are around water, including swimming pools, beaches, and other bodies of water.

Police warned that even a brief lapse in supervision can result in life-threatening situations and are encouraging homeowners to ensure pools are properly secured and that children are constantly supervised.

The police force also extended sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Mr. Fraser and Mr. Parrish during what they described as a very difficult time.