Woman Missing From Cruise Found a Week Later at Hotel
A Holland America Line passenger was found after going missing during a Caribbean cruise.
Ann Evans, 55, was located after she didn't return to the cruise line's Rotterdam ship during a stop in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, according to the Police Force of Sint Maarten.
"Following coordination between KPSM and other partners, contact has been made with the individual in question," authorities said in a November 28 Facebook post.
Evans, a U.S. citizen, was reported missing November 20. That's a week between when she vanished and when they found her.
What Happened
Police said in a November 27 post they had "reason to believe that a female matching Ms. Evans' description checked into a hotel on the French side of the island using her passport."
"She has also reportedly been seen in the surrounding area of that establishment," the update continued.
Evans disembarked for an organized tour and got off the bus in Marigot, Saint Martin, but didn't come back, according to authorities. The stop was part of a 12-day Caribbean voyage that departed from Fort Lauderdale on November 16.
So, she got off the bus during an organized tour and just didn't get back on. Then checked into a hotel on the French side using her passport.
That doesn't sound like someone who was lost or kidnapped. That sounds like someone who decided not to get back on the cruise ship.
The Privacy Issue
Law enforcement said no other details about Evans or her circumstances would be released "in accordance with the laws governing privacy and protection of personal data."
Which makes sense legally but leaves a lot of questions. Was she okay? Did she intentionally miss the ship? Was there an emergency? Did she just decide mid-cruise she wanted to stay in Sint Maarten?
We don't know. Privacy laws mean we probably never will unless Evans decides to share her story.
Holland America's Response
"We appreciate the efforts of local authorities in Sint Maarten and we're glad to see the situation has been resolved," Holland America told USA TODAY.
Corporate speak for "she's been found, we're moving on, no further comment."
What It Looks Like
Evans got off during an organized tour, didn't return to the bus, and checked into a hotel using her passport. She was "reportedly seen in the surrounding area" of the hotel.
That suggests she had her documents with her and made a deliberate choice to stay rather than return to the ship. Not someone in immediate danger or distress.
Sint Maarten is split between Dutch and French control. The cruise ship docked on the Dutch side in Philipsburg. Evans got off the tour bus in Marigot on the French side and stayed there.
The island is only 34 square miles total. Not a lot of places to hide if you're actually trying to disappear. Which suggests Evans wasn't hiding so much as just staying somewhere else.
What Happens Now
Holland America says the situation is resolved. Police found her. That's the end of the story from an official standpoint.
Whether Evans rejoined the cruise, flew home separately, stayed in Sint Maarten longer, or did something else entirely isn't public information.
The cruise ship left without her November 20 when she didn't return. It was a 12-day voyage, so the trip is probably finished by now.
The Bottom Line
Ann Evans, 55, went missing from a Holland America cruise during a stop in Sint Maarten on November 20. Police found her a week later checked into a hotel on the French side of the island.
No other details about what happened or why she didn't return to the ship will be released because of privacy laws.
People go missing from cruises occasionally for various reasons—medical emergencies, personal crises, or deciding they're done with the cruise. Evans's case seems like she made a choice to stay rather than mysteriously vanishing.
Either way, she's been located. Case closed.
Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.