UPDATE: American student dies in boat accident off Mero

Casey Shulman. Photo from Twitter

Tragedy struck off the coast of Mero on Saturday when a visiting American student died after she was hit by a boat’s propeller, according to the police.

The person has been identified as 22-year-old Casey Shulman, a student of the University of Virginia (UVA) in the United States.

Acting police PRO, Inspector Richmond Valentine, said the accident occurred at about 2:30 pm on Saturday.

According to Inspector Valentine, Shulman was among a group of 54 students who arrived on the island at 7:00 am on a  ship which offers a semester of studying at sea.

At 9:00 am a group of students, including Shulman, took a boat owned by Anchorage Dive, captained by Andrew Armour, and went snorkeling off Soufriere.

After snorkeling the boat proceeded to Mero beach where some student stayed aboard, some went swimming and others went ashore to enjoy the beach.

The police said after picking up some food supplies, the boat was moving backwards when its propeller made contact with Shulman, who was in the water.

She sustained injuries all over her body and was transported to the Princess Margaret Hospital where she was pronounced dead by a doctor.

The body was moved to the morgue pending a post mortem.

Investigations into the matter continue, police say.

BELOW IS A STATEMENT RELEASED  BY PATRICIA LAMPKIN, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STUDENT OFFICER AT UVA, ON SATURDAY TO FACULTY AND STUDENTS:

To the University community:

I write today to inform you of the loss of one of our students. Casey Schulman, a fourth-year Foreign Affairs major from Falls Church, Va., was killed earlier today in a recreational boating incident in Roseau, Dominica.

I have been in touch with Casey’s family and ask that you join us in keeping the family and its friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Casey was a participant in the Semester at Sea program. The trip during which the incident occurred was organized independently of the SAS activities. Leadership at the Institute for Shipboard Education and senior voyage administrators have also been in contact with Casey’s family, the U.S. Embassy of the Eastern Caribbean and University leadership.

Grief counseling and support services have been made available to all members of the SAS community on a 24-hour basis. A commemorative service is planned aboard the ship tomorrow evening. The ship will depart Dominica tomorrow at 8 p.m. local time as planned and will return to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 7.

For any members of the University community, support is available through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) this weekend at 434-972-7004 or by speaking directly with a dean on call by contacting the University Police at 434-924-7166. A dean is on call 24/7, should anyone need assistance.

Patricia Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

 

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170 Comments

  1. CssY
    December 4, 2012

    This accident could have been avoided…

    So sorry for the loss of such a beautiful young lady. My heart goes out to her family, friends and community…

  2. Anonymous S
    December 4, 2012

    This incident was a rough one for both sides. Mr Armour is among the best captains on the island, he is physically capable of doing the job. He has earned an adequate amount of experience throughout his early teenage years.However accidents will always occur and this one,wasn’t his fault.I can imagine how difficult this must be for him.I would like to share my sympathy with both sides of the family.

  3. Rastafari
    December 4, 2012

    The case is pending investigation, so, please stop making assertions!

  4. Anonymous
    December 4, 2012

    Wow that is so sad. Condolences to her friends and family. May her soul find eternal peace.

  5. Natur Isle
    December 4, 2012

    This was just a very unfortunate accident. The Anchorage Dive team has maintained a reputation for outstanding service for many years and it’s unfair to now be here , as Dominicans, blasting our own who has helped to put the island on the map in POSITIVE ways for many years.

    Condolences to the family and friends of the victim and to the Armour Shillingfords may God guide you during this difficult time.

  6. eyeswideshut
    December 3, 2012

    My sincerest sympathies to the Schulman Family friends and colleagues.
    God Speed

    You can shed tears that she is gone
    or You can smile because she has lived.
    You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
    or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
    Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
    or You can be full of the love you shared
    You can turn your back on tomorrow because of yesterday,
    or You can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
    You can cherish her memory and let it live on,
    You can cry and close your mind,
    be empty and turn your back
    Or You can do what she’d want:
    Smile, open your eyes, love and go on”

  7. /////////..
    December 3, 2012

    U never see on beach days how boats with engine just comming and run their engines wher people bathing and doh know who is under the water? What happened when the propeller did damage to the guy in Salisbury? My sympathy to both parties involved. These comments will kill our Tourism Industry.

  8. Anthony Ismael
    December 3, 2012

    This is horrible news for all parties concerned. May her soul rest in peace.

  9. rescue 911
    December 3, 2012

    it wasnt the captain fault but it was indeed carelessness or maybe show off .you cannot have people in the water and be so close to them furthur more moving backwards .my heart goes out to his family and to the familly of this young lady .

  10. the D.P.S.U family
    December 3, 2012

    my sympathies and support and ofcourse that of all Domincans to the young lady’s family .may God give you the strength to deal with this sad situation .To the Management of Anchorage and in particular the Armour family I share with your pain .My prayers are with you also .Your work in promoting Dominica is well appreciated .The good Lord guides and strenthen you as well

  11. LadyLiberty
    December 3, 2012

    A Young life so full of potential is gone. I am deeply saddened for her family and friends. My condolences and God’s peace with and upon you, Casey Shulman’s family. Dominica and Dominicans everywhere grieve with you on such a terrible loss.

  12. tourism investor
    December 3, 2012

    May God’s hands be with Cassey’s family during such trying times and guide our competent investigators and prosecutors in protecting the many who depend on our fragile tourism industry.

  13. questions
    December 3, 2012

    Pardon me.
    I meant that since toxicology studies are done during the autopsy on the victims body, We should expect that the police took toxicology samples (Unrine, Blood or/and hair)for the presence of mind altering drugs from the crew and the alleged ‘captain(s)’?

    • Rastafari
      December 4, 2012

      …and the victim as well?

  14. questions
    December 3, 2012

    Deepest condolences to her family having lost their loved one through such a thoughtless incidedent (Note the letter refers to an incident not an accident as was reported on the heading of theis story).
    “…killed earlier today in a recreational boating incident…”
    Very sad news for an educated young lady just starting a life of sooooo much promise.

    We trust that the police took toxicology samples (Unrine, Blood or/and hair)for the presence of mind altering drugs from both the victim, the crew and the alleged ‘captain’?

    Who Was the ‘official captain’ who welcomed the clients and introduced himself to the passengers when the journey started? Was this the same person who operated the vessel at the time of the incident?

    This has reached the international press and affects the reputation and livelihood of many innocent and hard working Dominicans.

    Was the person who handled the vessel at the time of this unfortunate incident of sound mind?

    As a parent I certainly would want the truth about the death of my daughter.

  15. sweetiepoo
    December 3, 2012

    This is extremely sad news for us Dominicans, and more so for the family and friends of this young lady.
    You just wonder why do certain things happen when they happen…..i just don’t understand something like this happening to this boat captain. This is really sad for all parties involved.

  16. true
    December 3, 2012

    you should always know where your passengers are in the water, your responsibility to tell them where to swim, buttom line is, that boat show have been anchored and should not have been moving with the passengers in the water, tour operator rookie mistake, i feel the parents pain

  17. tiny
    December 3, 2012

    ok just read a witness account of the event…the captain should have been strict and stern..not allowing the students to jump off the boat willy nilly…now he’s may to pay for being a good sport….safety comes first…rules need to be followed….

  18. bias dcans
    December 3, 2012

    I SMELL LAWSUIT……HOPE THEY HAVE INSURANCE OR ELSE THE COMPANY FINISH

    • sweetiepoo
      December 3, 2012

      you have to call yourself ‘byass dcans’ lol.
      this is all you can think of at a time like this –SMH

    • Jan Keston
      December 3, 2012

      You smell lawsuit? What would YOU do if one of your loved ones was killed by a tour bus in the United States? You KNOW the answer.

  19. Jan Keston
    December 3, 2012

    Anchorage is touted as a 5 star PADI dive center. I feel no sympathy for the boat’s captain–this should not have happened. My sympathy is for the young woman and her family and friends. Keep screwing up, get lazy, not mind the rules and this kind of thing will happen. Ask the Chinese how to safely operate, they probably know.

    • Joe
      December 3, 2012

      U assuming things about the captain, do you know him? Accidents do happen and i feel sorry for all parties involve in this tragic incident……..

      I cannot believe how heartless and ignorant you ppl have become, now where is chinese coming in that picture??

      Boy it is a real shame eh and ppl even giving you thumbs up as if your ignorant comment made so much sense SMDH!!!

  20. D/can in the U.S.
    December 3, 2012

    ‘are’ dealing…
    excuse my grammar :-)

  21. D/can in the U.S.
    December 3, 2012

    First, let me express my deepest sympathies to the family of this young lady. I will never understand the true extent of their pain. May the fun and happy memories of their daughter carry them through.
    I also want to say that some of the readers here who mentioned a lawsuit against the Anchorage Hotel may be up to something. Those who live in the U.S may already know about this. Last December this young lady Lauren Scruggs who got off a small propeller plane after viewing xmas lights and walked to the front of the plane and not the back(as she should have), she lost her left eye and hand when the propeller struck here. Now the pilot of the plane was not at fault but the young lady’s family won a ‘GYNORMOUS’ lawsuit so I’m just saying…
    Anchorage Hotel, be aware.

    All this aside, this a terrible loss of a young and no doubt promising life and no doubt Andrew Armour and his family and the Anchorage hotel is dealing with a very traumatic situation.

    • FED UP
      December 3, 2012

      What is “GYNORMOUS” to you? Lauren Scruggs received a $100,000 from each of the pilot’s, there were two, insurance polices. I’m sure the hotel has insurance to deal with these matters. My sympathies to the family.

    • Jan Keston
      December 3, 2012

      “no doubt Andrew Armour and his family and the Anchorage hotel is dealing with a very traumatic situation.” Yes, that is often what happens when you kill a person.

    • rescue 911
      December 3, 2012

      you are so right .and if i may add,america and american believe that their only console is lawsuit.they dont believe in forgiving the forgive and i am sorry way.

  22. pisceangoddess
    December 3, 2012

    Word of advise to DNO i would discontinue the access to posting comments to news clips thats my suggestion. Dominicans are too judgemental and quick to point fingers and write without using the bit of knowledge in thier brain God gave them.

    • Girlie girl
      December 3, 2012

      I agree with you so much ! Its not for every news item ,DNO should ask for comments for the reason stated above……

    • LadyLiberty
      December 3, 2012

      I agree with you…. There is a time and place for everything. Such tragic news shouild just be reported and comments suspended because pple cannot control themselves and be supportive and positive. It cheapens the work DNO is trying to do here . We forget that this happened to a international student in our country. Please show some genuine concern Dominicans.

  23. pisceangoddess
    December 3, 2012

    It really saddens me to learn about this today. My sympathies to the family of the young lady. To the Armour family my prayers are with you in this unfortunate incident. I would advise Dominicans that this is not a situation to be speaking so loosely about lawsuit who’s fault it is etc. We all have a time to go that is a must how we go we have no control over please try to remain in God when dealing with this unforseen accident and be sympathetic to both parties involved. Try to be more discreet in your comments.

  24. natural dominican
    December 3, 2012

    careless mistake…boats should always avoid swimming areas…there will be repercussions…condolences to the family

  25. tiny
    December 3, 2012

    So I’m guessing,… no one else who was on the boat saw that she was in the water so that they could alert the captain or they propably saw her and assumed he had also seen her so by the time they alerted him it was too late

    • Cindy
      December 4, 2012

      That’s a good point. Why didn’t anyone see this person and warn the captain? That is is large boat, and all eyes need to be alert and helping to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

  26. Anonymous
    December 3, 2012

    I worked with Andrew for sometime and I know him to be one of the most caution captain. I am almost certain Andrew did all his cross checks including a count before moving the boat as he always did when I worked with him.

    I feel the pain of the deceased friends and family and pray that they find strength during this difficult period. Andrew, please stay strong during this trying time.

  27. Morihei Ueshiba
    December 3, 2012

    So long dem fellas in tourism u mean they cannot put a life guard at areas where tourist visit, employ those red clinic people. :mrgreen:

    • old ghost
      December 3, 2012

      hmm…there are trained life guards placed on the mero beach but all have quit thier jobs cuz members of tourism fail to give a proper pay check.. u mean to tell me the pay for an entire day is 30 dollars thats bull…. n they should have been in the swimming area in the first place…. condolences to the family

  28. tiny
    December 3, 2012

    Stop it people…..the first unupdated article was very clear……no one should have asked wether it WA the cruise ship orlocal boat…….this is very sad…a young life was lost because someone fail to be very careful with a dangerous machine in the mist of snorklers

    • tiny
      December 3, 2012

      Midst

    • pisceangoddess
      December 3, 2012

      Tiny your comment lacks knowledge Andrew Armour has been a boat captain for 14yrs no incident were you there when it happened? get your facts as i said before speaking so loosely put yourself in someone else’s shoe no man is perfect or have we forgotten that. you have no idea how he feels because we act as if it cant happen to us. One perfect being exist that’s the creator remember that. Stop pointing fingers and go in prayers for both parties involved would be better dont you think?

      • Anonymous
        December 4, 2012

        i have worked with mr amour for seven years of my life and have learned lots now am a captain and it all because of his wisdom and knowledge my heart goes out to the both parties :( :(

  29. tiny
    December 3, 2012

    Still waiting on a statement from Anchorage hotel

  30. budman
    December 3, 2012

    the first thing that you learn when you captain a ship that operates excursions is this: DO A HEAD COUNT BEFORE YOU LEAVE EVERY STOP.

  31. Truth
    December 3, 2012

    Total carelesness on the part of the person operating the boat and lack of proffesionalism.This is what’s lacking on this island amongst a wide sector and to the dismay even from the top and those who run the country and prvate sector.Those we expect to be professional always fail to do the right things.My deepest condolences to the family and sympathy.

  32. Masterpiece
    December 3, 2012

    What a sad story….my heart goes out to the family

  33. Jahsen-jah
    December 3, 2012

    it’s a rather sad incident for both parties involved heart goes out to the family of the deceased as well as the boat captain and his family

  34. December 3, 2012

    WOW! :?: This is so sad to here.It seem to be Quite clear the the Students including Ms Shulman were on there own. There should be clear instructions to everyone of the 3 mentioned Groups 1)Those who went ashore. 2)Those who stayed on the the boat and 3)Those who went swimming (especially those who went swimming) all the students and staff should be accounted for (head count etc) and most importantly there should be clear directions and procedures to be followed by the pilots of the boat and their staff responsible for people in the water,those leaving the boat and those going swimming. These instructions should be made clear to everyone. This should not have happened. Our prayers go out to The Family and friends of Shulman family and friends.

    • Marie
      December 3, 2012

      And the dive boat operator should meet strict requirements before he is allowed to be responsible for lives. And yes, that head count is necessary. Vigilance! This should be checked by SAS in advance.

      • Becca
        December 3, 2012

        It was an independent trip. SAS has no say in what companies students use. Students are warned, though, that those checks are not made when they use independent companies.

  35. CASEY OH CASEY
    December 3, 2012

    Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased US Student. We in Dominica feel this tremendous pain and for this we are sorry indeed.

    Andrew Armour is one of the young pillars of the Harlem area and is quite a fine gentleman and we also feel his pain at this tragedy. Great empathy towards this young lady’s mates and those who she travelled with on this trip. Its an unforgettable and very hurtful experience and words just cannot explain. We depend on this Tourism for our very survival yet such a loss of this lass in the prime of her life is so unthinkable an event. TO her family etc I say sorry. I dont have the facts and need not venture into speculation, However one of the lessons which we as individuals have to learn from this is that NEVER MUST WE TAKE OUR LOVED ONES FOR GRANTED FOR WE NEVER REALLY KNOW WHEN IS THEIR FINAL GOODBYE.

    May her soul rest in peace.

    An entire nation is in dire GRIEF over this sad event.
    Very few of us knew CASEY SHULMMAN but tears filled the eyes of many when we heard of this preventable accident.

    BE strong !!!!!

    • Anonymous
      December 3, 2012

      No engines should be running while there are swimmers around a boat..that is a simple rule. I’m sure your captain is a fine man, but he is alive and made a terrible mistake and ended a young womans’ life. Now I will travel and hug my cousin, her mom, and help her to continue living.

  36. FED UP DOMINICAN
    December 2, 2012

    My condolences to the family and friends of Miss Shulman.

    Lets not forget the person in charge of the boat. He/She must be traumatised.

  37. Alumni of SAS
    December 2, 2012

    As an Alumni of Semester at Sea, I want to inform the public of what I know from this situation. The MV explorer is the SHIP that sailed to the port of ROSEAU, DOMINICA. During her free time some fellow students, herself included, went on a snorkeling excursion with a local company. After the snorkeling, the people aboard the local boat were allowed to swim in the water, lay out on the beach, or stay on the boat. The captain of the boat made the mistake of not checking who was near the boat when her was backing it up and struck the student. The injuries sustained were too serious for her body to make a recovery, it is likely that she died of blood loss due to trauma. Either way it is a very tragic ordeal, I hope the family and friends of those affected have the strength to make it through this. I express my deepest condolences.
    With all this said, the information that I present to you is what I have read/ heard/ and experienced. I am from the voyage prior to this one, and semester at sea was the greatest experience of my life. I cant even begin to understand the sorrow he fellow shipmates are feeling right now, people get very close on the ship (like brothers and sisters).

    • tiny
      December 3, 2012

      I knew that was what had happened

    • idea
      December 3, 2012

      Trust you americans to start with the blame game foolishness. What do u mean ‘make the mistake?’Is that your. Subtle way of pinning down a brother? Freak accidents do happen and this just happened to be one of them. Besides, was casey unaware of the fact that she was bathing too close to the vessel?

      • Anonymous
        December 3, 2012

        Would you say this if it was your daughter. How dare you.

      • dominicanstudent
        December 3, 2012

        Did you read her stating and pointing blames to anyone? FOOLISHNESS REALLY COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES! … smh! … some of all you that have no sense just shut the hell up instead of looking like a fool. I support the young lady’s statement and her intention to shower the public with what she understand from what she has read and her experiences. She is just trying to make it clear to those who cannot grip a piece of what the facts is delving into. For once in your pathetic life, say thank you and move on! SMH… May her soul rest in peace!

      • Anonymous
        December 3, 2012

        You’re talking bull…… because the student did not fall off the boat she jumped in the water and the captain should be aware of it. I feel sorry for both groups.

      • December 3, 2012

        Casey was not Bathing This is not a Freak accident its Carelessness Seem like people operating the Boat and other Staff were not well Trained to avoid the accident.

    • VAW
      December 3, 2012

      The captain of the boat made a mistake…. I take it you were there and can prove that he did not check who was near the boat right? You have made a very strong accusation there (without being physically present as you state) and putting a man’s a solid boating, diving and captaincy (boats) record upfront. Before you destroy the reputation, know that all parties involved are suffering. This was not a deliberate act, nor was it an act of negligence. I have sailed, worked and dove with with man for many years and never, never has he been irresponsible with other people’s lives. On the contrary actually.

      • rescue 911
        December 3, 2012

        ok he didnt make a mistake .according to you he saw her and keep moving .awa alyou too quick to open alyou mouth.maybe if you ask the captain he will say he made a mistake .

    • VAW
      December 3, 2012

      You are a jerk!

  38. December 2, 2012

    :( :( :( :( :( …..very sad,my condolences to all

  39. T mama
    December 2, 2012

    This is very sad…these propellers are so deadly…they have to look all around them before they move the boat…..I hope alot is learned from this…symapathy to her family..

  40. The truth
    December 2, 2012

    Health and safety people. How can a boat be in an area where people are bathing? That’s a joke. Engine and Propeller is meant to be off until everyone is back on the boat and accounted for. This gets me so upset. Health and safety basics

  41. Debull
    December 2, 2012

    So sorry to hear about this young woman dying like this.I wish her family all the best in this difficult time.

  42. Citizen K
    December 2, 2012

    I take it that this is a different one from the boating incident which was reporting to have happened in scotshead on Saturday.

  43. tiny
    December 2, 2012

    Dno y not post my comment……the boat did not move by itself , wether there WAs a driver on the boat or not….it was negligence….anchoage hotel should be sued

    • ...........!
      December 3, 2012

      it was negligence on both parties when i look at it. What was she doing behind a boat bathing? and the boat has to come close to the shore (where people are bathing) to let people off. And accidents do happen so the frist thing coming to your mind to comment should not be “anchorage hotel should be sued”. R.I.P to the deceased and to Mr. Armour stay strong. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.

  44. Looking in
    December 2, 2012

    DNO::: It’s time you stop that nonesense. You post a news item, people comment on it…later you bring an updated version, and the original is nowhere to be seen, yet you leave the comments from the original version. That makes the people who commented on the original look like fools. You all do that all the time.
    Is either the original news item remain, with the comments, or the comments disappear with the original news item.

    • Zor
      December 3, 2012

      I agree with you 1000000000%

    • tiny
      December 3, 2012

      From the fist article I read …I clearly undestood what hsppened…it couldn’t be any clearer….

  45. Goldie
    December 2, 2012

    Please dno readers take time off to read the news before commenting.Asking all kinds of illerate questions when the news clearly stated that she arrrived at 7.am on a ship and at 9am took a boat from Anchorage Hotel captained by this young man, name provided.It’s very important to take time off to read.

    • Anonymous
      December 3, 2012

      Sometime the comments are warranted. Usually if the readers are on point DNO will make the appropriate changes, which is why it seems they are asking questions which have already been answered in the story…although sometimes some people do not read thuroughly ennuh…lol

    • tiny
      December 3, 2012

      I know….the first article was as clear as can be…….they simply updated it to give new details…..she did not fall as I suspected

  46. Goldie
    December 2, 2012

    so sad. My condolences to the grieving family.God will comfort your broken hearts, trust him.

  47. malkassay in london
    December 2, 2012

    verrrrry sad .rip..

  48. Saysay
    December 2, 2012

    that smells like law suit from the family. americans you dealing with there wi.

    • Jan Keston
      December 3, 2012

      “americans you dealing with there wi.”

      learn the language. “oui.”

  49. Malgrasysa
    December 2, 2012

    So sad to hear this. I realise it was an accident but what about the areas marked of by ropes and buoys to keep swimmers and boats separate at Mero, exactly to prevent such an accident?

  50. Anonymous
    December 2, 2012

    God of all comfort and grace, May you bring peace to the family and friends of the departed soul. What a tragic incidence!!

  51. Reporter
    December 2, 2012

    Sympathy to this young girl family but I also feel the pain of the captain, he too must be in pain.

  52. tutunee
    December 2, 2012

    she was in the water, captain didnt see her ,, how sad

  53. tiny
    December 2, 2012

    all i know is Americans love to sue…especially when they know that the defended have money….prepare for a lawsuit andrew

    • Jan Keston
      December 3, 2012

      What small thinking, Tiny. I remember sitting in court watching the many lawsuits of Dominicans against Dominicans, over the dumbest things, little silly things. Dominicans are lawsuit happy–“dat my goat!”

  54. yes
    December 2, 2012

    u know how many times i keep telling two gov ministers an people in tourism about making swimming mooring an snorkeling areas no wake zones.u can only have speed of 5mph..i wish i was da to go in my pal rep office an make him feel stupid..boy boy boy..i like my party an my pm but sometime hmmmp,dominica can be a paradise only if we get ,,what,,who,,sometime i just say da is da ,,

  55. Witness
    December 2, 2012

    I unfortunately witnessed the tragic event yesterday at Mero. I’ve been on catamaran tours in other Caribbean countries were certain safety procedures are in place. The boat normally pulls up to the shore of a beach, allows everyone to get off safely, and then anchors a little further out. This is not what I witnessed at Mero yesterday. Students began jumping off the boat while it was very far out (past the designated swimming area). I thought to myself that this was very far and I was worried about them getting to shore safely. The boat then went in to shore to pick up food, while students were still swimming on either side. The boat then went back out past the swimming area but was drifting all over the place (and students were still jumping off of all sides). During this time the tragedy struck. It was one of the most traumatic and heartbreaking things I’ve ever witnessed. I just kept thinking it all could have been avoided if the company would have made everyone safely disembark from one side of the boat near the shore. My heart goes out to the young lady’s family and her friends.

  56. tiny
    December 2, 2012

    the boat was moving backwards? by itself? someone should pay…her parents should sue anchorage hotel ……they should should own 5o% of the hotel when they are done

  57. Buelah
    December 2, 2012

    What a bunch of dumb comments from Dummy–nee–cans!

    • Annonymoustoyou
      December 3, 2012

      :twisted: :twisted: What a smart comment, Smarty-pants! :twisted: :twisted:

  58. History
    December 2, 2012

    The story said the student went on the Anchorage dive boat and was captain by Andrew Amor at 9am where they proceed to soufiere to snorkel, after snorkeling the boat proceed to Mero to purchase food,some stayed on board while some went in the water and Shulman was one of them in the water. The boat then began to go backward and the propeller then struck Shulman, This is what the headline said so i do not understand why people are saying she was struck by the boat they arrive on am only going by what i read on less there is another story.

  59. Marie
    December 2, 2012

    http://cherese.org/semester-at-sea.html

    you may want to see what you think about this article.

  60. rescue 911
    December 2, 2012

    well if they thinking like america ,that is a defenite sue .thats how american console themselves.(such an unfortunate accident.)

    • Jan Keston
      December 3, 2012

      “Thinking like America??” Dominicans love to try to put down America, but where do you think the money for this trip came from? And all the money the kids spent on food,m gifts, etc? From AMERICA. No one has said the family will sue. In fact, right now, all they are thinking about is their beautiful relative and her awful death. You see, you Dominicans think so much about money (gimme dollar, gimme dollar) that you assume everyone else is as greedy as you.

      • rescue 911
        December 3, 2012

        i live in america so i know .pple over here sue for everything .its a blame game here.if you ask how i feel about it i will say that its rediculous but that the way it is .did you read how many people sue the city because of the snow storms we had back to back in 2010.some call 911 and expect the ambulance to come when we had more than 24in of snow on the ground .one woman even sue because her father died and the hearse couldnt come to get the body .american dont have sympathy.i know what i am saying .a few years at my job a lady come in with her dog and sue because she say we say hi to her but we didnt greet her dog.gob bless dominica

    • Becca
      December 3, 2012

      only a few Americans are sue-happy, not all. Don’t generalize us.

  61. U.S. Citizen
    December 2, 2012

    A tragedy indeed, my thoughts and prayers go out to Casey’s family in their undoubtedly heart wrenching loss. As a U.S. citizen and current resident of Dominica, I am appalled by the comments addressing how this will affect the ‘tourist season.’ I am quite familiar with the Semester at Sea program at the University of Virginia, which is a highly regulated program with a fully staffed and efficient cruise ship. As much as you ignorant readers want to live in denial, this is most definitely in part due to the lack of safety precautions in this country. Again, I do not want to divert focus from the sad loss of this beautiful young women, but shame on you Dominicans for jumping to protest how this will affect your ‘tourist season.’

    • LadyLiberty
      December 3, 2012

      totally agree.. We Dominicans need to learn to be sensitive and selfless. A life was lost here people. Got that! Some of DNO’s readers giving the outside world a horrible impression of Dominicans by their loose and thoughtless comments.! This is the world wide web remember?! smh in frustration.

  62. Richards
    December 2, 2012

    An adverse and or tragic enent brings about publicity and acknowledgement for Dominica.The hardest part is to break the sad news to the parents of the very young student.

  63. 7 year old
    December 2, 2012

    Iam so sad about what happend

  64. TP
    December 2, 2012

    There is no Health & Safety in Dominica fullstop.

  65. Katie
    December 2, 2012

    The Anchorage Hotel and the Captain of the boat must take
    full and complete responsibility for this accident. This is
    basic sea safety . Like the roads here where are there are no restrictions or safety measures – the sea is exactly the same and this is not the first time this has happened. My partner has a boat so I know what I am talking about.

  66. Jayson
    December 2, 2012

    This is really messed up. I can only imagine the amount of pain and greif the family is going through right now.

    A terrible loss to the family, may God comfort them in their time of need.

  67. Anonymous
    December 2, 2012

    123 please read the first paragraph of the note from the vice president,it says:I write today to inform you of the loss of ONE OF OUR STUDENS. Casey Schulman, a fourth-year Foreign Affairs major from Falls Church, Va., was killed earlier today in a recreational boating incident in Roseau, Dominica.

    • Marie
      December 2, 2012

      Yes, this is incorrect English but more importantly attempts to distance the University from responsibility at a time that only sympathy for the family should be expressed.

    • rescue 911
      December 2, 2012

      come on .for those of us who read it on dno yesterday ,thats the third story .the first say scotts head ,in the second dno apologise for their mistake and say something else now this one is a third story .you just saw the last one so dont bash us like that .smh

    • watch dog
      December 2, 2012

      dont waist your time, thats how dumb they are.,

      • Annonymoustoyou
        December 3, 2012

        watch-dog, the word is ‘WASTE’, not ‘waist’….you are the dumber one.

  68. Anonymous
    December 2, 2012

    500 years behind,where did you read anything in the story about cruise ship?

    • En Ba La
      December 2, 2012

      @ Anonymous Come on stop this. This was the original story the breaking news – said tourist visiting on a cruise. Today it is updated with more information.

      DNO the early readers got the gossip.

    • Herbs
      December 2, 2012

      what is your point? you are focusing on the wrong thing.

  69. zasquales
    December 2, 2012

    whose boat? was it licensed to do tours? was it overloaded? why was she not sitting? dat captain heading jail for life for negligence?

    • blueblue
      December 2, 2012

      read, all the info there. READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT

    • (.) (.)
      December 2, 2012

      READ, READ, READ….She was in the water when the boat struck her. And, yes the boat is licensed to do tours and it belongs to Anchorage Dive.

    • Smart!
      December 2, 2012

      Sad comment, this holds absolutely no substance, are u an illeterate? please read before you comment, this will help you in the future.
      Geeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz!!

    • brain
      December 2, 2012

      nom skull you cannot read before you comment. My 4 year old son told me to ask you that.

    • watch dog
      December 2, 2012

      rubbish

    • Jahsen-jah
      December 3, 2012

      lol :mrgreen: hahahah i love it.. u must not read the head lines and then comment. read the news…thanks for laugh tho

  70. sweet
    December 2, 2012

    hope that it doesnt affect the tourism season

    • Anonymous
      December 2, 2012

      Someone just died and you Talking about affecting tourisme…??? Anybody outside reeding your comment would sûre be questionning themselves on thé people living in that island

    • Suki
      December 2, 2012

      IKR… I hope they will still come back :(

  71. togood
    December 2, 2012

    so sad hope that this affect the tourism season :cry:

  72. jeff
    December 2, 2012

    The woman was part of an educational voyage (not a cruise) for US college students. The ship circumnavigates the globe stopping at 10-12 different ports along the way. The students take class while the ship is at sea, and faculty lead excursions while at port.

    This accident did not happen on the ship. During some free time, a group of students took an independent boating trip. It’s an unfortunate situation all around.

    • Marie
      December 2, 2012

      Should be pre-approved by University as part of Semester at Sea’s schedule of approved off-ship excursions.

      • Becca
        December 3, 2012

        The University does have approved off-ship excursions, but students are allowed to go where they please in the country. They are warned, but its up to the students to decide. The students are 18-mid 30s. They can discern for themselves

  73. just lookin
    December 2, 2012

    R.I.P so unfortunate

  74. December 2, 2012

    It was a student from States :(

  75. Anonymous
    December 2, 2012

    REMEMBER WAT D SUPREMO SAY EH “NO NEGATIVE PUBLICITY, EVEN IS THE TRUTH!!!!

  76. 500 years behind
    December 2, 2012

    DNO, this “Breaking News” is not clear at all. For the sake of those who are not living in Dominica and are not familiar with details of the accident, please clearify.
    You reported that the woman was on a cruise ship visiting Dominica, fell off a boat, hit by the propeller of the boat, and accident happened in Mero.
    The fact that you said she was on a boat visiting Dominica and in the same breath you said she fell from “A” boat instead of ‘fell from the boat,’ leaves one to understand that she was in Maro and in Maro she got on a local boat, and the propeller of the local boat hit her. Is that what happened? Or did that all happen on her way to Dominica on the tourist boat she was on? Sorry, I am just trying to understand what happened.

    • (.) (.)
      December 2, 2012

      Where did you read about that you are commenting on? Based on what I’ve read, the accident happened in Mero, the student was in the water when she got struck by the tour boat she was on. REREAD please

      • En Ba La
        December 3, 2012

        Boobs or eyes this was DNOs story need I say the second soon. Admin had a note at the end also saying sorry they original had in Scotts head .

        You are seeing the 3rd version others saw it when the news wasfirst posted with all inaccuracies.

        We need to stop being so judgemental and underestimating our peoples abilities

        This is exactly why we have this government who is continuously treating the citizens like they cannot think for themselves and they agree.

      • Anonymous
        December 3, 2012

        did u notice the article said UPDATE….meaning as newer info was received it replaced the older more sketchy details…don’t be so hard on a fellow ready who is seeking some clarity..

  77. Friend
    December 2, 2012

    Casey, God had a purpose for your life that why he called you home so early, may your family find comfort in God’s words. The friend there was nothing you could do it was her time, Dominicans are praying, on our island she becomes one of us.
    God bless

    • watch dog
      December 2, 2012

      well i look at it differently. In my view negligence on ones part is not a calling that gods sets. There are safety protocols that needs to be followed boht as a captain and as someone in the water. It s sop that swimming should not be done near or in the area of boats that are may or may not be departing. also it is the captains responsibility to enusre his area is safe for departure. But it is sad.

  78. febreese
    December 2, 2012

    she fell off a boat or the boat? this is very sad..

  79. radio
    December 2, 2012

    so sad may god bless her and her family

  80. Jim
    December 2, 2012

    She fell of the cruise ship or a local boat

    • Reporter
      December 2, 2012

      Based on what I just read, the boat was moving backwards, when she got hit. The question is was she in the water before the boat moved or did she fell just as the boat moved. Some clarification is needed

  81. The truth
    December 2, 2012

    That is the problem in dca. We looking to accommodate tourists but we have no idea what health and safety means. These people come from country where everything is about safety. We need to have some form of health and safety regulations for everyone dealing with tourists. Even if they’re not from the island they should be made fully aware as well

    • watch dog
      December 2, 2012

      Finaaly someone in Dominica has some sense

  82. December 2, 2012

    There goes the Tourist….

  83. Anonymous
    December 2, 2012

    That’s why I believe in the importance of verifying receipt of information before publishing it. Digging a bit further would not hurt. It would strengthen your credibility as an electronic media

    • stupes
      December 2, 2012

      THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FInally!!!!

    • Anonymous
      December 2, 2012

      you can say that again.

      Half the people cpmmenting now do not realise there was an initial article with different information

  84. rescue 911
    December 2, 2012

    sad for her familly and dominica .

  85. December 2, 2012

    Sad story. May her sould rest in peace.

  86. bandic00t
    December 1, 2012

    Ouch.. That’s messed up man…

  87. write positive
    December 1, 2012

    That’s a sad sad sad situation!!!!!

  88. JESSICA
    December 1, 2012

    SAD DO HAPPY .LETS JUST PRAY THAT GOOD COMES OUT OF IT AMEN :mrgreen:

  89. JESSICA
    December 1, 2012

    :oops:

  90. **MeRo i From*
    December 1, 2012

    such a tragic accident that i had to shed tears…..may god bless the family of this young grl… :( :( :( :( the way that it was i only c this things in movies :( :cry: :cry: :cry:

  91. Anonymous
    December 1, 2012

    I’m so sorry to hear that, may God guide her soul up to Heaven

  92. Lance
    December 1, 2012

    What were the safety measures on the cruise. Dominica is trying to attract more tourist and 2 deaths in 2 months is way way too much.

    • December 2, 2012

      Such ignorance. Is it Dominica’s fault that individuals lost their lives during vacation such as this? I do not think so. It is possible that other factors contributed to these deaths. It is sad, and we do hope that necessary measures will be taken to avoid other accidents resulting in deaths.

    • Anonymous
      December 2, 2012

      come on Dominica is not to blame here you do not know what happen. The cruise have their own boat to transport there people so wait for the news before you slam Dominica we have enough bad name already.

    • HUSh!
      December 2, 2012

      Saftey measures? Are you serious? Is the state the cause of the death? It is called an accident for a reason! Do you know the circumstances under which she fell? No you do not. people are too quite to comment and have no idea what really happened.

    • December 2, 2012

      @Lance,What way way too much,This was an accident it wouldn’t affect our tourist industry,It didn’t accured by local citizen okay.

    • Anonymous
      December 2, 2012

      You idiot!

    • Anoymous
      December 2, 2012

      Wow if 2 in 2 month will stop you from going Dominica. Guess there are a lot of cities in the USA you won’t be visiting also.

      • KFC DOM
        December 3, 2012

        That’s not the point -_-

  93. ella
    December 1, 2012

    SO SAD

  94. Dominican
    December 1, 2012

    Heartfelf sympathy to the family who is left to grieve the lost loved one. May you all find strenght in the presence of God. Sorry to hear that sad news. Be strong in the lord and in the power of his might.

  95. tiny
    December 1, 2012

    this is what I dread when I’m on a boat

  96. mouth of the south
    December 1, 2012

    that’s sad.. do hope her family and friends find comfort and given the support necessary… definitely didn’t need that experience on vacation

  97. dominica
    December 1, 2012

    if i am thing of the same accident i belive some of the information is wrong. the student were partying on the boat and she fall off. this happening in Mero.

    • 123
      December 2, 2012

      Is it a tourist or a student? Can someone please clarify.

      • stupes
        December 2, 2012

        123 come out from under de mango tree! pull up your…. :lol: ..

        On a more serious note, read the facts, she was a student on a study at sea program. it means she was both a tourist and a student! is that clear enough for you?

      • nh
        December 3, 2012

        Dont u people ever read? stpes

  98. positive vibes
    December 1, 2012

    alas…such a pity…my condolences goes out to the lady’s family

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