The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 66 year old American Steve Cummings and extends condolences to his family & friends.

Around 12:30am on Wednesday, December 11th police and Bermuda Radio received a report that the Florida resident’s vessel required assistance in the waters off the North Shore in the area of Black Watch Pass.

The police Marine Unit responded and conducted an overnight search of that maritime area for the vessel; however tragically a debris field was subsequently established.

Around 7:50am on Wednesday a member of the public called police after a man’s lifeless body was found along the shoreline of Shelly Bay. The deceased was later identified as Mr. Cummings and he was officially pronounced dead at the scene by an on call doctor. The two cats he was traveling with also perished.

A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to the family of Mr. Cummings to assist them at this difficult time.

An autopsy is scheduled in due course and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mr. Cummings is ongoing.

In addition, a local salvage company in coordination with Marine and Ports is currently assessing how the sunken vessel can be floated.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cummings or who may have interacted with him prior to midnight Wednesday should contact the investigating officer Marine Unit Constable Sean Wheatley directly on 247-1515.

We would also like to acknowledge the actions of all who have assisted so far in collecting debris and locating the sunken vessel including members of the public, Bermuda Regiment, Department of Fisheries as well as Marine and Ports Pilot boat personnel.