An infant girl is dead and a woman is on life support after they were rescued from the water near the Oasis Cove Marina on the east end of St. Thomas, the V.I. Police Department reported early Wednesday.
Details were sparse as police continue their investigation into how the woman and baby ended up in the water, their identities, or where they are from.
VIPD, St. Thomas Rescue, and Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel were mobilized to a reported drowning of two people in the area of the marina at 7:47 p.m. Tuesday, police spokesman Glen Dratte reported.
The marina is located just west of Food Center in Estate Frydenhoj and features boat slips, apartment rentals, and boasts a 24-hour surveillance system, according to its website.
The rescuers and a Good Samaritan recovered the woman from the water and began lifesaving measures, said Dratte.
As further information was received, officers were made aware that a child was also missing. Shortly after, a baby girl believed to be about four months old was recovered from the water, he said.
Both patients were transported by ambulance to the Schneider Regional Medical Center where the infant was later declared dead by physicians. The woman currently remains on life support, said Dratte.
The incident remains under investigation by the VIPD Criminal Investigations Bureau.
So many questions not answered by this article by the Source Staff. Who stated that there was a child missing – the woman, or a witness? If there was a witness, how did they know? Did they see how or why the pair were in the water to begin with? Were there no others around before, during or after? Had they been on shore, on a beach, on a boat? Were they dressed for swimming? Wearing shoes? Who called authorities originally, and how did they know – did they witness the drowning occurring? Are there next of kin or acquaintances who were present who would have insight as to what was occurring immediately prior to the drowning? Does the Source Staff any questions at all?