American Cruise Passenger Ann Evans Missing in Sint Maarten: Search Intensifies

American Tourist Vanishes During Caribbean Cruise Stop

For Ann Evans, a 55-year-old American enjoying a dream cruise aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, the Caribbean was supposed to be a getaway. But on November 20, 2025, her vacation took a turn that no one could have predicted. As her ship docked at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Evans joined a group bus tour to explore the island’s dual cultures and turquoise beaches. She got off the bus in Marigot, on the French side of Saint Martin, and, according to police, never returned to the tour or the vessel.

Coordinated Search Efforts Across Borders

The disappearance was quickly reported by Holland America Line to local authorities, triggering a cross-border search involving both the Dutch and French law enforcement agencies on the island. The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) issued a missing person alert on November 26, asking anyone with information to come forward. The French Gendarmerie joined the effort, given Evans’ last known whereabouts in Marigot. Evans’ family, anxious for any word, has also been urged to reach out to authorities if she makes contact.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Holland America confirmed the guest’s absence and detailed its ongoing cooperation with local officials. The cruise line emphasized its immediate notification of authorities and its commitment to assisting in the search. As the Rotterdam continued its 12-day round-trip journey through the Caribbean, the question of Evans’ fate lingered among passengers and crew.

Cruise Itinerary and Timeline

The Rotterdam’s Caribbean itinerary began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 16. By the time Evans vanished, the ship had already visited the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Tobago, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. Sint Maarten was one of the final stops before its scheduled return to Fort Lauderdale on November 28. According to CruiseMapper, the vessel followed a classic island-hopping route popular with American tourists seeking sun and adventure.

Evans reportedly left the ship for the day’s organized bus tour at around 10:00 a.m. Police say she disembarked in Marigot and did not rejoin the group or return to the cruise ship. The circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear: Was it voluntary? Did she encounter trouble? Did she get lost or separated from her group?

Public Appeal and Passenger Safety Concerns

Law enforcement agencies have appealed to the public, asking anyone with sightings or information about Evans’ location to step forward. Their alerts have also been directed at Evans herself, should she see the message and wish to reassure her family and authorities of her safety. Meanwhile, the case has sparked a conversation about passenger safety during cruise excursions, especially in foreign ports where jurisdiction can be complex.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 requires ships sailing from U.S. ports to report incidents, including missing persons, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In the first three quarters of 2025, six American nationals were reported missing from cruise ships—five aboard Royal Caribbean vessels and one on MSC Cruises, according to official statistics cited by PEOPLE. Evans’ case, the first involving a Holland America Line vessel this year, has added fresh urgency to calls for improved protocols and cross-border cooperation.

Family’s Ordeal and Cruise Industry Response

For Evans’ family, the days since her disappearance have been marked by uncertainty and distress. The cruise line’s statement to the press, while reassuring in its tone, offers little comfort without news of her whereabouts. The Rotterdam continues its voyage, but the shadow of the missing passenger lingers. Other travelers, watching the story unfold, may find themselves questioning the safety of cruise excursions and the adequacy of response procedures.

Authorities have not disclosed whether Evans left behind any personal belongings, or if there are any indications of foul play. The investigation remains open, with police working through leads and reviewing possible surveillance footage from the port and surrounding areas. Given the international nature of Saint Martin—split between French and Dutch administration—coordination is critical but can be slow.

No New Developments Yet

As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed sightings of Ann Evans. The official alerts remain active, with both sides of the island on watch. The search is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. For now, the facts are clear: Ann Evans is missing, her family is waiting, and the cruise community is watching closely.

The disappearance of Ann Evans highlights both the vulnerability of travelers and the challenges authorities face in responding quickly and effectively to missing persons cases abroad. The cruise industry’s safety protocols are once again under scrutiny, but the human cost—a family waiting for answers—remains the story’s most poignant element.