Police in the Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating two drowning incidents involving visitors earlier this week, as well as a separate near-drowning involving two toddlers.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) said the most recent incident occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, when the Police Control Centre received a report of a medical emergency involving a diver on an excursion from a vessel operating out of Providenciales.

Police said the man, identified as 64-year-old John Gordon Fraser, reportedly encountered difficulties while resurfacing during the dive.

Crew members aboard the vessel immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while assistance was requested. 

Despite their efforts, Fraser was later pronounced dead.

In a separate incident on Monday, March 9, officers in Grand Turk responded to reports of a drowning near the Cruise Centre.

The deceased was identified as 39-year-old Richard Parrish, a passenger aboard a cruise ship that had docked on the island.

Police said Parrish experienced difficulties while snorkelling at the facility around 11:40 a.m.

Lifeguards on duty removed him from the water and began CPR before he was transported to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre for further treatment. However, medical personnel were unable to revive him and he was later pronounced dead.

The RT&CIPF extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the two men.

Police also reported a separate near-drowning incident involving two toddlers in the Turtle Cove area on Thursday.

According to preliminary information, the children, aged one and two, were at a residence with a swimming pool when a relative noticed they were missing.

A search was immediately launched and both children were found floating in the pool. The relative began CPR before the toddlers were transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where they remain in stable condition.

Police are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant when children are near water, including pools and beaches.

Authorities also advised homeowners to ensure swimming pools are properly secured and that children are closely supervised at all times around water.