An American woman has been reported missing after she did not return to her cruise ship following an excursion in Sint Maarten last Thursday. The passenger, identified as Ann Evans, aged 55, was aboard the Holland America Line cruise that began its journey in the Caribbean on November 16, 2023. Local officials stated that Evans vanished during an “organized island tour” on the day of her disappearance.
Evans disembarked from the Rotterdam around 10:00 a.m. for the tour but failed to return to the bus or the cruise vessel. The Government of Sint Maarten issued a missing person alert on November 26, though the exact timing of when her disappearance was reported remains unclear.
Search Efforts Underway
Authorities from both the Dutch and French sides of the island are collaborating to locate Evans. Sint Maarten, the southern portion of the island, is part of the Netherlands, while the northern part, known as Saint Martin, is under French control. Law enforcement agencies from both jurisdictions are actively involved in the search, according to the alert.
The Rotterdam is part of a 12-day cruise that includes multiple stops in the Caribbean. The itinerary also featured a stop at Half Moon Cay, a Bahamian island owned by Carnival Cruise Line, just a day prior to Evans’ disappearance. The journey is priced at approximately $1,000, making it a premium travel option for vacationers.
The Rotterdam, which can accommodate over 2,600 passengers at double occupancy, is the latest ship in the Holland America fleet. The vessel is designed to hold up to 4,173 guests when fully booked. It remains uncertain whether Evans was traveling alone or with companions.
Company Response
In a statement to the press, Holland America Line confirmed that they immediately notified local authorities about the situation. The cruise line is working closely with law enforcement to ascertain Evans’ whereabouts.
Following the incident, the Rotterdam departed from Puerto Rico and is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on November 28. The company is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all its passengers during this unsettling situation.
As search efforts continue, local authorities remain hopeful for a positive resolution to the case.
