UMVA has learned that a tragic discovery was made on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis, where the body of a cruise ship passenger was found after vanishing during a hike last week.
Wang Zyuan, 33, was identified as the Chinese national whose lifeless body was discovered on Monday by a search team, bringing an end to a desperate search effort that had gripped the island.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Wang had gone hiking without a guide on the Mt. Liamuiga trail, a rugged route that winds its way up the dormant volcano and highest peak on St. Kitts, which stands at nearly 1,200 metres.
The hike had proven to be an ill-fated adventure, as Wang called 911 to report being lost in the mountains on May 27, but police lost contact with him shortly after, prompting a massive search and rescue operation.
A joint search team was swiftly mobilized, scouring the hillside and crater area through the evening of May 27 and into the morning of May 28, with the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) also issuing a public appeal for volunteers to join the search efforts.
The RSCNPF had warned of the dangers of the hike, urging those planning to tackle the trail to travel with a registered guide, inform others of their route plans and expected return times, and ensure their mobile devices are fully charged.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the RSCNPF has now confirmed Wang's death, with the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing still ongoing, although police have not disclosed further details.
The cruise line Wang was travelling on has not been disclosed, but it is known that the "Mount Liamuiga Volcano Hike" is listed as an excursion on some cruise websites, with a warning that the hike is "extremely strenuous" and not suitable for those with balance or stability issues.
The RSCNPF has extended its condolences to Wang's family, friends, and associates, while asking the public to refrain from speculation and rely only on official sources for accurate information.
