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UPDATE: US tourist dies after ‘Bubbly Pool’ incident at JVD

- another injured
One of the victims of the Bubbly Pool incident. Photo: team of reporters
The Bubbly Pool area in Jost Van Dyke. Photo: bareboatsbvi
The Bubbly Pool area in Jost Van Dyke. Photo: bareboatsbvi
One of the tourists who survived on his way to receiving medical attention, after another died on March 9, 2013 at the popular 'Bubbly Pool' on the sister island of Jost van Dyke. Photo: VINO team of reporters
One of the tourists who survived on his way to receiving medical attention, after another died on March 9, 2013 at the popular 'Bubbly Pool' on the sister island of Jost van Dyke. Photo: VINO team of reporters
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost Van Dyke, VI – [Posted at 3:15 PM] Information reaching this news site indicates that a US tourist has died at Jost Van Dyke in a water related incident today, March 9, 2013.

According to a source, two men were reportedly in the vicinity of the ‘Bubbly Pool’ at Diamond Cay in Jost Van Dyke when tragedy struck. The entire circumstances surrounding the death and injury are not clear at this time.

Preliminary reports indicate that the dead man has been identified as a resident of Texas, USA Jonathan Wheeler, 34 years old.

The other man involved in the incident reportedly almost drowned but survived with some amount of injuries. The men were reportedly rushed to a clinic in Jost Van Dyke.

Reports also indicate that at least two men attempted to rescue the men after it was discovered that the men had encountered difficulties in the water.

According to reports, Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) was also called into action.

Virgin Islands News will continue to work on this story and provide more details as they unfold.

27 Responses to “UPDATE: US tourist dies after ‘Bubbly Pool’ incident at JVD”

  • beach (09/03/2013, 15:32) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    oh lord what is going on
    • yellow (09/03/2013, 18:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      yet another tragic loss....condolences to family and friends....
  • george w. touch (09/03/2013, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So sad, everytime this is reported.
  • ... (09/03/2013, 15:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    More tourist death... sad. so sad.
    • long look me come from (10/03/2013, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      thanks for the pic vino..seems like you have people every where. its never good for the bvi image when a visitor dies on our shores...
  • qc (09/03/2013, 15:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    wow

    i do not know you or your family but RIP...... but when it comes to life we never know what each day has in stalled for us.
  • rattie (09/03/2013, 16:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sorry to learn of this. Best wishes to the family and friends
  • Wayne (09/03/2013, 16:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    We were there when this happened. The deceased actually went in to help his friend who was having difficulty when a crashing wave took him off of the rock ledge that he was standing on. He was floating face down in the water when his friend tried to recover his body and he got sucked in. He got out after a life ring was tossed to him and he was battered up with what looked to be a broken hip. The power of those crashing waves were relentless. He didn't have a chance.
  • Concerned (09/03/2013, 16:37) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everyone, regardless of ability in the water, should be aware of conditions before entering the water. That means wave action, pool depth, swimming in a group, and wearing appropriate beach wear....no baggie shorts of denim with oversized waists. You are in charge of yourself and the judgements you make.
  • Wayne (09/03/2013, 18:35) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    A year to the day that someone died here last year. Very creepy
  • Bite Size (09/03/2013, 18:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The man who died Jonnthan Weller was not a tourist to the Caribbean but lived in St. Thomas.....and spent much time aboard boats in the BVI ...so no its not another tourist.....He was the most wonderful young man and will be so missed ....... I understand after talking to his fiance he was trying to save the other man's life and he died as a result ......Jonny you will be missed by so many.....
  • The Voice (09/03/2013, 19:03) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    If Goverment would hire lifeguards to these wonderful beaches these problem would never happen....all Goverment want to do is put money in other people pocket instead of fixing or country.... Tortola is about tourism but hire in lifeguard they would keep everyone safe that's why I carry my children at Joshia's bay where the lifeguard are and its safe
    • Hope (10/03/2013, 09:30) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
      That's rite we need lifeguard to protect the people who gets into trouble in these beaches Goverment need to step up
    • JustMyThoughts (11/03/2013, 00:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      People need to think before they speak. Life guard or not when its one's time its their time and it was his time. So why go blame the Government? I wonder if you know that we all here, once residing in these Virgin Islands, help to make up the government? Anyway, with that said my condolences goes out to the young man's entire family and his friends.
  • Many many years (09/03/2013, 19:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    People have been going to the bubbly pool for many many years. Only in the last year have we had these very serious injuries and death. Maybe the time is ripe for more. Yes there are now signs and we need more signs to alert the tourist about the dangers of the area. Our visitors need to know about abnormal conditions when the sea is so rough that waves can come into the pool and can drag you out to sea. There also need another sign on the rock just were the bubbly pool begins, warning about those rogue wave that can wash you off the rocks. I remember fishing once beyond the mouth of the pool. I climbed up on a big rock and checked that it was completely dry. About ten minutes later a rogue wave took my fishing rod and had me clinging for my life. I have learned to respect that area and we need to teach or visitor to love and respect that area also.
  • Concerned (09/03/2013, 19:56) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    The best solution to avoid any other deaths especially tourists is to finally close off that area by postings signs saying not to enter the Bubbly Pool no matter it's condition. This area as all can see is nothing but a beautiful to look at, sneaky death trap. There are other nice areas to bathe on Jost Van Dyke, send them there.
    • An Indianapolis Hoosier (11/03/2013, 11:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

      Would you have all of us stand on the sidewalks inside an bullet-proof, iron cage just in case a rogue car or gunman came by? Everyone of us will make our own choices and take our chances on the outcome. When people turn to the government to protect them from everyday risks they lose their freedom and eventually their happiness all for the mirage of safety and security. If there were signs warning of the danger during rough seas that is the best anyone can expect from the local government or local people. This is a tragic loss and my condolences go out to his friends and family. That he risked his life to help his friend says a lot about his character and I'm sure he will be missed.

  • My condolences (09/03/2013, 21:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A heartfelt condolences extended to the family at this sad time. May Jehovah God keep you and give you the grace to get through this difficult period.
  • Jesser (10/03/2013, 00:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nowadays we can see when there is dangerous swell activity,the technology is there,bubbly pools should be closed when swells are dangerous and they certainly were that day and for a couple of days.The tourist board knows this and sends out messages warning people and businesses, so do surfers.So put up a Red flag amnd signage,,no swimming when swell is high and dangerous and this would not have happened.When the swell is small to moderate Bubbly Pool is fun for those that know about water and can swim. Its all about information and proper observation.
    • Tobin , eye witness (12/03/2013, 19:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Jesser is right on the money.I was also there and watched this whole thing happen from the rocks above. I actually have the insident all on video. I don't think I will every post it unless there is something to be learned from it. For those of you who think the government should pay to have a life guard on duty are just plan wrong. There is no way in hell any human alive could have gone out in those waves smashing against those rocks, no way. The people who say there should be a no swimming flag when the surf is up have it right. Maybe a guard to make sure that nobody goes into the water would be a good idea but that's unrealistic. I have watched two dozen utube videos of the bubbly pools on calmer days and it looks fun and safe. There really shouldn't even need to be closed due to high surf sign it should be common since.But not all uf us have that.The waves where huge that day and anything loose in the water would have been violently smashed against the rocks. All four of the guys involved where standing out on the ledge where the waves come through. Way way way to close to the water. Several sets of huge white water went over over ther heads before Jonny lost his grip and got swept away. He was gone, nobody saw him for about four minutes at which point he was floating face down and already gone. He did pull his friend out right befor he got swept away but my point is the four of them should never have been anywhere even close to to where the were. I helped carry his friend Doug back to foxys taboo on the stretcher. He tried his best to save his friend but there was just no way. He's lucky to be alive himself after falling in and getting smashed around for 45 seconds or so. Jonny's fiancé was there and saw the whole thing also. I feel so so sad for her and all his family and friends. I will never forget her endless screems and cries. I will never ever forget this day. From talking to people back on St. John I have learned that Johnny was a very popular and corismatic guy with tuns of friends. Also a very skilled diver. He will be sorely missed by many. My heart goes out to his fiancé , family and all his friends. Respect mother nature and live each of your days to the fullest......peace
  • ooooo (10/03/2013, 02:39) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    ndp should've used that consultancy money to pay lifeguards instead
  • egg face (10/03/2013, 13:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this one seems like a real legit accident no insurance scam..I feel so bad for the dead man's family
  • mom (12/03/2013, 18:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a parent there is nothing worse than this. My heart goes out to this young mans family. My son lives in St Thomas and tells me what a wonderful human being Johnny was I will keep him and the family in my heart and prayers..
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