The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is investigating two drowning incidents that occurred earlier this week involving visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as a separate near-drowning incident involving two toddlers.
Shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, 12 March 2026, the Police Control Centre was alerted to a medical emergency involving a male who had been participating in a diving excursion from a vessel operating out of Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that the individual, identified as John Gordon Fraser, 64, reportedly encountered difficulties while resurfacing during the dive.
CPR was immediately initiated on board the vessel by crew members while assistance was being sought. Despite these efforts, Mr. Fraser was pronounced dead at approximately 12:58 p.m.
In a separate incident on Monday, 9 March 2026, officers in Grand Turk responded to a report of a drowning in the vicinity of the Cruise Centre.
The deceased male has been identified as Richard Parrish, 39, a passenger aboard a cruise ship that had docked in Grand Turk.
Mr. Parrish was using the facilities at the cruise centre when, around 11:40 a.m., he experienced difficulties while snorkelling.
Lifeguards on duty immediately removed Mr. Parrish from the water and commenced CPR. He was subsequently transported to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, where further attempts were made to resuscitate him. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was later pronounced dead.
The RT&CIPF extends sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Fraser and Mr Parrish during this very difficult time.
Additionally, two toddlers were involved in a near-drowning incident in the Turtle Cove area on Thursday, 12 March.
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 discovered floating in the pool.
The relative quickly initiated CPR, and both children were transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where they remain in stable condition.
The RT&CIPF is urging parents, guardians, and caregivers to remain extremely vigilant when young children are near water, including pools, beaches, and other bodies of water.
Even a brief lapse in supervision can result in life-threatening situations. Parents and homeowners are encouraged to ensure that pools are properly secured and that children are constantly supervised when around water.