American tourist Richard Jolene died after being abandoned overboard while snorkelling during a catamaran tour in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The 67-year-old woman was found dead near Jellyfish Beach in the tourist town of Bavaro. Local media reports said tour company Bebe did not count the number of tourists on board after the tour ended, and workers left without realising that Jolene was still in the water. Three people, including the captain and two crew members, were arrested and could face up to two years in prison.
Veron prosecutor Dennis Guerrero said he would seek enforcement action against the three citizens detained in the case. Authorities did not name the tourism companies involved, but clarified that the Criminal Code is about individuals, and the law does not allow companies to be prosecuted, only individuals who committed acts. The captain and crew could be charged with manslaughter, which carries a prison sentence of three months to two years.
The incident has raised concerns among tourists about the safety of water activities and the oversight of tourist tour companies in the Dominican Republic. The country, which attracts millions of tourists every year, has seen an increase in incidents related to water activities, including accidents, disappearances and deaths. The lack of regulation and oversight of these companies, combined with the high demand for these types of tours, has led to several incidents and raised questions about safety standards in the tourism industry.
Following the incident, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism issued a statement, offering condolences to the family and friends of the victims and promising to thoroughly investigate the incident. The Ministry stressed that it attaches great importance to tourist safety and has taken measures to ensure the quality and safety of tourism services in the country. The Ministry also urged tourists to choose licensed and certified tourism companies, follow safety instructions and regulations, and report any incidents or concerns to the authorities.
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