Cruise Passenger Found Dead After Vanishing on Island Hike

A Shore Excursion That Did Not End

The body of a cruise ship passenger was found dead Monday on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Kitts and Nevis after he disappeared during a hike the week before, local authorities said. Chinese national Wang Zyuan, 33, was last seen May 27 hiking the Mount Liamuiga trail, according to police. Search crews from multiple agencies located his body after days of effort, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force confirmed in a statement.

The Last Contact

Wang was hiking the trail by himself, police said. He called 911 that afternoon to report that he was lost, but authorities lost contact with him before responders could reach him. Volunteers and crews from several agencies then scoured the area for days. Police did not release additional details, including the cause of death, saying only that the investigation is ongoing.

Where It Happened

The trail sits on the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, the highest peak on St. Kitts at nearly 3,800 feet. A Caribbean cruise company that advertises the excursion on its website describes it as an extremely strenuous hike and warns that the trail can be muddy or slippery. The route’s remoteness and difficulty shaped the multi-day search that followed Wang’s disappearance.

A Measured Official Response

In its statement, the police force extended condolences to Wang’s family, friends, and associates, and asked the public to avoid speculation. “We respectfully ask the public to refrain from speculation and to rely only on official sources for accurate information as this matter proceeds,” the statement said. Authorities have not characterized the death as suspicious and have released no findings beyond confirming the recovery of the body.

What Remains Unknown

As of the latest reporting from CBS News and The Associated Press, the cause of Wang’s death had not been determined and the investigation remained open. The case underscores the risks that can accompany strenuous shore excursions, even those routinely advertised to cruise passengers. Officials said further information would be released as the investigation proceeds.

References: CBS News / AP - Cruise ship passenger found dead on Caribbean island after vanishing during hike