A BRITISH cruise ship passenger has drowned while swimming near a resort on a Caribbean beach.
Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 76-year-old woman who was onboard a cruise ship moored at Castries harbour at Anse Cochon beach in the Western part of the island.
The tourist has been identified as Audrey Coulthand, who was on a Caribbean cruise and went on a sea-based excursion along the island's west coast.
An official from the village of Anse-La-Raye near where the incident took place said that they received reports that an elderly woman died as a result of a swimming accident.
He said: "It has been brought to our attention that a lady from Britain perished from drowning while on a brief visit to the island on a cruise ship.
"This is a very unfortunate incident and on behalf of our village we would like to pass on our condolences to the victim's family.
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"The police will be carrying out an investigation into the drowning and will laise with all parties concerned including the family of the victim. We are so sorry to hear this."
Anse Cochon beach is ten miles from the port city of Castries.
A significant part of the beach has a restricted access. The beach facilities are only available to hotel guests.
A spokesman from the Royal St Lucia Police force said that they have started an investigation.
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They said: "A 76-year-old female was transported to the Owen King EU Hospital Thursday, the victim of a suspected drowning."
An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in St Lucia."
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