In a heart-wrenching incident at Devil’s Bridge, Antigua and Barbuda, a 37-year-old Canadian woman and her five-year-old son lost their lives on Thursday morning while attempting to witness the sunrise.
The victims were identified as a mother and her child, with the husband, aged 38 and also from Canada, surviving the ordeal but not without distress.
Local authorities reported that the husband, in a desperate bid to rescue his family, found himself in distress and required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the scene.
Despite efforts, the wife and son were pronounced dead at Devil’s Bridge, a picturesque site known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident from Dubai, where he is attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28).
Browne conveyed condolences to the grieving family, pledging governmental assistance and stating, “I feel it as though it was a relative. It is so impactful.”
Tourism Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez revealed plans to expedite the repatriation of the bodies to Canada.
He had a conversation with the bereaved husband, expressing empathy for his unimaginable pain. Fernandez emphasized the urgency to bring the family back home swiftly, coordinating efforts to facilitate their return.
This unfortunate event marks the second tourist death at Devil’s Bridge this year, prompting concerns about safety at the site. M
inister Fernandez announced a comprehensive assessment to enhance safety measures, acknowledging the need for professional expertise. He stated, “We have to see if anything else can be done to prevent this kind of thing happening.”
According to Fernandez, the family had ventured perilously close to the rocks at the edge, contributing to the danger.
Despite the circumstances, he assured a thorough review of safety protocols to protect both tourists and locals who frequent the area.
The husband, unable to swim, was saved by quick-thinking joggers who witnessed the tragic incident.
Fernandez commended the joggers for their heroic efforts, recounting that they were the ones who rescued the distressed husband from the water.
Devil’s Bridge, named for a rock formation that resembled a bridge before part of it collapsed into the sea, holds historical significance.
The site was once traversed by slaves who believed that by crossing the bridge and drowning, their spirits would find freedom.
Fernandez acknowledged the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures to avoid such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, efforts are underway to support the grieving family and evaluate steps to prevent similar tragedies at Devil’s Bridge.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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