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Another drowning case in less than a month
Woman, 61, stuck under a rock at Grotto
A Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services emergency medical technician descends the stairs at Grotto in Marpi to respond to a drowning incident involving a 61-year-old female tourist yesterday afternoon. (DFEMS)
A 61-year-old woman reportedly drowned after she was stuck under a rock when a big wave hit her at the Grotto, a popular diving spot in Marpi, yesterday afternoon.
The victim, identified as Xhaoxia Yang, a Chinese tourist, was pronounced dead by Dr. Martin Rohringer at the Commonwealth Health Center at 3:55pm, according to Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services acting spokesperson Linus Mizutani.
Mizutani said that DFEMS received a call from the Department of Public Safety’s 911 about a drowning incident at Grotto at 2:09pm.
DFEMS emergency medical technicians from Garapan Fire Station responded and arrived at the scene at 2:20pm.
Mizutani said EMTs came upon the victim who had been stuck under a rock by the bottom end of the steps of Grotto.
EMTs found the victim with no pulse, not breathing, and had obvious signs of lividity.
Mizutani said that, according to bystanders, the victim had attempted to cross the water to get to the big rock, but a big wave hit her. Due to rough waters and strong current, the victim was swept under a rock.
DFEMS personnel recovered the victim and transported her body to CHC’s emergency room, where Rohringer pronounced her dead.
The victim was with some companions, including a tour guide. She had no intent to dive as she had no diving gear, Saipan Tribune learned.
DPS has yet to release more information of the incident as of press time last night.
It was the second drowning incident on Saipan in less than a month.
Last April 17, a 53-year-old Japanese male reportedly drowned while diving at Lau Lau Bay.
Last March 9, Tian Tao, a 32-year-old Chinese male tourist drowned while swimming, also at Lau Lau Bay.
Last Feb. 23, a 25-year-old Korean male tourist who was swimming with three companions was swept by a wave at Forbidden Island in Kagman. Search and rescue team backed by a Navy helicopter failed to locate the body.
Last Jan. 13, a Korean tourist drowned while her husband was swept away by waves and could not be found at Forbidden Island.
