By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating an alleged drowning that resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man from the United States.

The incident took place around 3:45pm Saturday.

According to reports, the victim and his girlfriend were relaxing on the shore at Cabbage Beach when he noticed a woman struggling in the water.

He went to assist her and while doing so was caught underneath a large wave. He then began experiencing difficulty breathing and went under water. Jet Ski operators rescued the man, who was unconscious when he was brought to shore.

One of the operators performed CPR on the man until Emergency Services Personnel arrived.

However, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Police have not identified the victim, but the Tribune understands he is Eugene Frederick Lesage of California, USA.

Mr Lessage was a passenger on the Carnival Sensation and was expected to leave at 6pm on Saturday.

Investigations continue.

On Friday the Department of Meteorology issued a warning to beach goers and mariners as a low pressure system was expected to bring moderate to heavy swells along the coastline.

According to the Meteorological Office,  the “dangerous” swells could exceed 22 feet particularly around Long Wharf, Go-Slow Bend, Saunders Beach, areas in the vicinity of the Cave, West Bay Street, Eastern New Providence, the Glass Window Bridge in Eleuthera and other areas throughout the archipelago vulnerable to sea swells.

The warning remained in place until Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, the US Embassy in Nassau also issued a warning to American citizens in the Bahamas.

It said: “Moderate to heavy swells have begun bombarding the coastline of the more eastern islands of the Bahamas chain, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“These dangerous swells, which could exceed 22 feet during their peak on Sunday, will result in sea spray and overtopping water, particularly around Long Wharf, Go-Slow Bend, Saunders Beach, areas in the vicinity of the Cave, West Bay Street, Eastern New Providence, the Glass Window Bridge in Eleuthera and other areas throughout the archipelago vulnerable to sea swells.

“Motorists should exercise extreme caution along coastal roads particularly during the peak of these swells on Sunday. Home-dwellers along coastal areas are advised to take every precaution to protect lives and property.”