Woman dies while swimming in St Vincent

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC - Police say a post-mortem examination is to conducted to determine "the exact cause of death" after the body of a 58-year-old tourist was found floating at a local beach where she had gone to swim with friends.

The deceased is a German national.

Police said that Petra Ortlepp, a cruise visitor, went to Mt Wynne, located on the southwest coast of St Vincent, about 10 miles north of the capital, Kingstown, on Wednesday.

"Reports indicate that Ortlepp was swimming with friends around midday when she was later seen floating face down in the water. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful."

The police statement said that medical personnel arrived at the scene and pronounced her dead, and authorisation was given for the removal of the body.

"Investigations are ongoing. Our condolences go out to the grieving family and friends during this difficult time," the police statement added.

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