SAN FRANCISCO – Star Clippers is dropping calls in Antigua in the wake of the murder of one of its passengers on the island, USA Today reports.
The sailing ship line says it will substitute the Caribbean island of Nevis on upcoming itineraries of the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. The ship normally calls in Antigua every two weeks.
“Star Clippers has called at Antigua for many years without incident, and with its long sailing and yacht history, the island has always been a popular destination with our guests,” Star Clippers CEO Mikael Krafft said in a statement.
“We are taking this decision after much deliberation, and we will continue to monitor the security situation in Antigua and evaluate our options for next winter season regarding returning to the island.”
Star Clippers passenger Nina Elisabeth Nilssen, 29, of the San Francisco area, was found dead January 19 on a trail just off the island’s famed Pigeon Point Beach.
Named one of the “world’s sexiest” beaches in 2007 by Conde Nast’s Concierge.com, Pigeon Point is popular with tourists visiting the island.
USA Today said the murder is the latest serious crime against tourists in Antigua.
A 38-year-old Australian man visiting the island last year on his yacht was shot dead while walking with his girlfriend and daughter.
And in 2008 Antigua was the scene of a double murder of a honeymooning British couple – incidents that have raised questions about the safety of visiting the island.
