A days-long search on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts ended in tragedy after authorities located the body of Wang Zyuan, a 33-year-old Chinese national who went missing while hiking Mount Liamuiga.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirmed that Wang was found deceased on June 1, by one of the search teams after disappearing on a hiking trail on May 27. According to ship tracking websites the only Royal Caibbean vessel on May 25 was Rhapsody of the Seas.
While Royal Caribbean has not publicly identified Wang as a crew member, a photograph of the missing person report appears to show him wearing a name tag and shirt commonly associated with employees working in the restaurant department.
According to police, Wang was last seen around 10 a.m. on May 27 after setting out alone on the Mount Liamuiga trail. At approximately 2 p.m., he contacted emergency services and reported that he had become lost in the mountains. Authorities subsequently lost contact with him.
Search and rescue teams were mobilized and continued efforts throughout the evening. Operations resumed the following morning and expanded over several days as authorities, volunteers, and specialized units searched the rugged terrain surrounding the volcano.
The extensive search effort involved personnel from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, the Forest Unit, the Red Cross, the Ross University K9 Unit, and numerous community volunteers.
"It is with deep regret that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force confirms that Mr. Wang Zyuan, who had been missing on the Mt. Liamuiga trail since Wednesday, May 27, 2026, was located deceased on Monday, June 1, 2026, by one of the search teams," the police said in a statement.
Authorities have not released details regarding the cause of death, and investigations remain ongoing.
Police expressed gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who participated in the search, describing the operation as a collective effort involving both emergency services and members of the local community.
Mount Liamuiga, a dormant stratovolcano rising nearly 3,800 feet above sea level, is one of St. Kitts' most popular hiking destinations. However, the trail is known for its steep sections, slippery terrain, and challenging conditions, particularly for hikers unfamiliar with the route.
