Canuck tourist drowns in Cuba

March 8, 2006
Canuck tourist drowns in Cuba
Woman believed to be from Ottawa
By LAURA CZEKAJ, OTTAWA SUN

A Canadian tourist, who witnesses said is from Ottawa, drowned during a
catamaran tour in Varadero, Cuba, Sunday.

Foreign Affairs would only confirm the woman's family had contacted the
Canadian consulate in Cuba for assistance and that her identity was not
being released.

"We are aware of the case and we are talking to relatives of the
person," said spokesman Rejean Beaulieu.

Cuban authorities are investigating the incident, which appears to be an
accidental drowning.

Witnesses said the woman, who appeared to be about 65, was from Ottawa
and was travelling with another woman. They said the victim was pulled
blue and lifeless from the water after a group snorkeling tour. A
speedboat brought her body back to shore.

The woman had been staying at the Barcelo Marina Palace Hotel in
Varedero. A hotel representative who answered the phone said she was
aware of the drowning, but that guests set up their tours through their
travel agent not the hotel. She did not know the catamaran company involved.

CONCERNED FOR SAFETY

Ottawa resident Stephen MacDonald was staying at the Tryp Peninsula
Hotel in Varadero last week. He said yesterday that he and his wife had
taken the same catamaran tour the day before the drowning.

The couple were concerned for their own safety after noticing a lack of
life preservers, life jackets and a steady flow of alcohol.

"I thought it was dangerous, nothing I would have come back and
complained about, but I abstained from alcohol just to keep my wits
about me," he said.

There were between 30 to 40 people on the MacDonalds' tour and several
children. MacDonald said one child was injured after slipping on the
boat and hitting his head.

A number provided by the MacDonalds for the catamaran tour company in
Cuba connected to an answering machine that stated the caller has
reached the office of Transat Holidays and Nolitours.

Attempts last night to contact a representative from the Canadian-owned
Transat Holidays were unsuccessful.

laura.czekaj@ott.sunpub.com

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