A man who was pulled from waters off Norman Island and later pronounced dead at Peebles Hospital on Sunday June 23, 2019 has been identified as United Kingdom national Oliver Wheatley, 27. Photo: RVIPF/Facebook

Mr Wheatley had recently migrated to the Virgin Islands for employment.

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in a press release today, June 25, 2019, initial inquiries indicate that Wheatley had left his workplace at The Moorings as the captain of the vessel ‘Wind Therapy’ with six (6) guests and the chef aboard.

“At approximately 12:29 pm, VISAR was contacted about a male who had gone into the water and alarm was raised when he did not return to the boat.”

Police further said Mr Wheatley was rescued by snorkelers around 12:44 pm after a distress call was sent and was transported to Peebles Hospital.

“They arrived at the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital at 12:55pm and he was pronounced dead at 1:19pm. Investigations are ongoing in this matter,” the press release stated.