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US tourist dies near Guana Island

- female seriously injured in marine accident
Information coming out of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is that a US tourist has died as a result of a marine accident near Guana Island and a second female seriously injured. Photo: Internet Source
GUANA ISLAND, VI – Information coming out of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is that a US tourist died as a result of a marine accident that has also left a female seriously injured near Guana Island.

The tourist is 58-year-old United States citizen, John Lagrass.

The identity of the female has not been released to the media. 

According to the RVIPF, "Mr Lagrass who was vacationing in the territory, died as a result of a marine incident while snorkelling on 3rd January, 2020 near Guana Island. A female also sustained serious injuries and was transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment."

Police said the matter is currently under investigation and the families of the two individuals are being kept updated on the progress of the police investigation.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) will provide more information as they become available.

48 Responses to “US tourist dies near Guana Island ”

  • ccc (04/01/2020, 11:12) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    Jah again!!!????
  • Well yes (04/01/2020, 11:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Year just start already a death in this place... sigh.
  • Binocs (04/01/2020, 13:29) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    Sad...alot of USA people die here though.
    • justice (07/01/2020, 10:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Sounds like the captain of both vessels are at fault. 1. Not putting out snorkeling flags. 2. Driving recklessly near a passenger boat. I’m thinking a private investigation is needed.
  • cgb (04/01/2020, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Two tourists drowned here as well I believe a while back
  • JVD (04/01/2020, 16:00) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Wonder who the boat belong to and the captain was st the time cause these need hi lighting cause there is a lot of uninsured speed boats and hobby jolly captains who don't know the laws of the sea only my word
    But I would hope the government look into these speed boats and operators to get licensed tourism brings money and help make it safe
  • Rick (04/01/2020, 19:42) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Was not a speed boat stop spreading propaganda
  • JYD (05/01/2020, 11:29) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    So this a no name boat and a ghost captain why are these things being with held from the public well for sure now it can't be no (expats:) involved now cause the whole of BVI would been casting judgement on them
    That only my one cents word
    • IslandStyle (25/01/2020, 14:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      A silver haired, "Prominent belonger" was at the helm and when the accident happened left the wheelhouse and disappeared below decks leaving a hapless stooge to face the music. Not only irresponsible but a coward as well...Absolutely must be held accountable...
  • @ I know (05/01/2020, 19:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I sincerely hope you are wrong
  • bullsh** (05/01/2020, 19:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need more information, NOW!
  • His name is LaGrassa (05/01/2020, 19:46) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not “LaGrass. He was a hell of a guy and this was wreckless behaviour
    • sympathy (06/01/2020, 02:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      at the loss of your friend. Can you give us infos what actually happened to Mr. LaGrassa? We are all very sad that his joyous vacation had to end like this
    • Me (07/01/2020, 09:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      U was there bout wreckless behaviour
  • IslandStyle (06/01/2020, 05:36) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    John LaGrassa was a master mariner, ex vice commodore of the Manhattan Yacht Club, skipper of The Pioneer in NYC, boat builder, paddler and surfer... This incident needs immediate investigation and resolution. The truth needs to be told...
    • Monica (06/01/2020, 22:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you for posting this. The truth will be told and justice will be served!
      • nope (12/09/2022, 16:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Justice only happens to the working class. Nothing has happened here in over 2 years and nothing will...bc money, wealth and power > justice.
  • @ Island style (06/01/2020, 08:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What did actually happen??
    • IslandStyle (06/01/2020, 12:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Speculation is counter productive but the rumour mill twirls and early indication is that they were rundown while snorkelling...
  • Curious (06/01/2020, 08:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Were there markers to indicate that surfers were in the area? We want to know.
  • @islabdstyle (06/01/2020, 13:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What kind of boat hit this poor man?
  • NY Post (06/01/2020, 20:35) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    We’ll be looking into this tragic incident
  • inquiring mind (06/01/2020, 22:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is the name/ type of boat not published? Why not the captain’s name?
    It will come to light anyway. Schoolchildren already spreading the rumors
  • Hush up (07/01/2020, 09:37) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Them MS wan b diving n snorkeling any where like the ocean is theirs, who ever the captain is he is NOT WRONG!!!!!!!
  • WATERMAN (08/01/2020, 13:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    To be clear, the swimmers did not hit the boat, the boat hit the swimmers. The captain, for whatever reason, was not paying attention. Boat captain 101: avoid rocks, boats and people. These boating accidents happen way too many times here. The ocean belongs to all of us, be careful please.
  • is it true? (09/01/2020, 20:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A friend read on fb this morning that the lady who was also injured had passed away. I pray that these are fake news
  • Outrageous (10/01/2020, 15:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are no excuses for a boat to run over any peopel in any area. The captain of the vessel is duty bound to have a look out at all accounts and avoid collision with anything at all times. Too many people on boats now on their phones or texting and not paying full attention. There is absolutely NO excuse for people to be injured in this manner. My sincere condolences to the family and hope this brings to light that things have to change here with the amount of qualified and unqualified reckless Boat captain's that are present in our waters
    • hushmoney (12/09/2022, 16:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dr. J was too busy counting his money to notice...and not concerned enough to stop and help.
  • Nice (13/01/2020, 18:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr. H Jar ecki
    Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands. This private, 850 acre resort is owned by Dr. H Jare cki and his wife Gloria


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