UPDATE: Canadian Wilson F. Reading, 18, victim in Bubbly Pool tragedy
He is an 18 year old male Canadian tourist, Wilson Francis Reading. It is reported that he came into the Virgin Islands with a group on vacation and was on a boat with about four other adults.
The body of the deceased was removed yesterday from under the boulder by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and was transported on the police boat to the Road Town Marine Base, arriving around 9:40 P.M. last night.
The body is now at the Peebles Hospital morgue awaiting a post mortem as his immediate family was notified of his tragic death. It is said that Mr Reading is an only child.
Many eyewitnesses who saw the body being removed said Mr Reading’s head appeared to have been crushed and his neck allegedly broken.
What is the Bubbly Pool?
The tourist attraction the Bubbly Pool is located on the eastern tip of Jost Van Dyke and it’s believed that is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. It is said to be a usually “rough area.”
It is exposed to the large breaking waves, we locally call ground seas. There are large rocks that block the entrance to the inner cove and the full power of the wave is slowed down and a rush of bubbling white water from the wave top enters the pool, filling it with white, foaming, swirling jets of sea water, turning it into a natural Jacuzzi or pool so to speak.
See previous article published January 15, 2017
Man dies in alleged freak accident @ Bubbly Pool on JVD
Word just reaching our newsroom is that someone lost their life while at the famous 'Bubbly Pool' on Jost Van Dyke this afternoon, January 15, 2017.
It is not clear what were the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy that occurred around 4:30 P.M. but this news site was told by our sources on the sister island that the man was struck by a boulder.
The deceased is said to be a Caucasian man. He was reportedly with his girlfriend and her family at the popular tourist attraction when disaster struck.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed the incident to this news site. "I can confirm that a man has received injuries as a result of an accident while in the vicinity of the Bubbly Pool in Jost Van Dyke," said Information Officer Diane Drayton, who noted that the RVIPF was not in a position to "confirm a death at this point."
70 Responses to “UPDATE: Canadian Wilson F. Reading, 18, victim in Bubbly Pool tragedy”
@Red Flag, there's a BIG sign warning them about ALL the DANGERS; "Slippery and sharp rocks, no lifeguard on duty, rip current, strong current, high surf. Proceed at your own risk. The government of the British Virgin Islands shall not accept any responsibility or liability in the respect to any injuries or death....."
WHAT MORE WARNING SHOULD THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN?
Hush yo "£$%^!
Our community here in Oakville Ontario has lost a friend , a great kid and our hearts go out to his family.
Ok.. I am now confugled (confused)
@ .......
Three people have died at the Bubbly Pool. Two while climbing on the rocks above the pool and one who went in when the swell was much too powerful.
Nature is a very powerful and unpredictable force. It would be wise to stay off the rocks above the pool altogether and to heed the warnings the Government has provided. When the swell is really kicking up, no man (or woman) is safe in the water. But people always want to get their photos and sadly, they put themselves in harm's way to do so.
Very sad and tragic event.
One of a kind and loving friend who had a heart of gold
You’ll be missed, never forgotten …R.I.P our dear friend Wilson
My prayers are with his family, adult friends and friends. He was a gifted young man that everyone enjoyed and loved. He will never be forgotten. RIP Wilson .... You were loved by many.