A small pool connected to the ocean by a rocky channel has long served as a popular attraction on the north side of Jost Van Dyke. But now it has been closed after the death of United States tourist Jonathan Wheeler on Saturday afternoon.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour advised the public on Tuesday to avoid swimming in or near JVD’s Bubbly Pool “until further notice.”
“The water is currently deemed unsafe due to high surge or groundswells in the area,” the release states. “The public is also being advised to exercise extreme caution at all Virgin Islands shorelines and beaches at this time.”
Mr. Wheeler, who was visiting the territory on a day trip from St. Thomas, had taken the winding trail from Foxy’s Taboo to the Bubbly Pool with several friends on Saturday morning, according to Virgin Islands Search and Rescue President Phil Aspinall.
“One fellow was up on the rocks taking pictures and lost his footing, ending up in the water,” he said.
Seeing that their friend was in distress, Mr. Wheeler and another man responded by entering the churning waters. But Mr. Wheeler was separated from the group by a large wave that swept him into the nearby rocks and under the surface of the water, according to Mr. Aspinall.
See the March 14, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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