An elderly British couple have died in tragic circumstances on Carriacau, the largest of the Grenada Grenadine Islands.

Seventy-six-year-old Rosaline Foster is thought to have jumped into the south eastern Caribbean Sea at Paradise Beach in the village of L’Esterre, when she spotted husband David John Foster, 77, in difficulties.

It is thought that Mr Foster may have suffered a heart attack in the water and both are suspected to have drowned, although a post-mortem examination will determine the couple’s cause of death.

The couple’s bodies were discovered lying on the sand where Mr Foster was declared dead at the scene, while his wife was taken to Princess Royal Hospital where she was examined and also pronounced dead.

Royal Grenada Police Force are continuing with their investigations.

Police statement

Mr and Mrs Foster, were two retirees and were holidaying on the island along with several with other family members. In a police statement, Cpl Ardell Lewis said: “The basic facts seem to suggest that the man may have suffered a heart attack and the lady may have gone to his assistance, and she probably would have drowned.”

Awaiting autopsy results

The UK Foreign Office said it was assisting the family of two British people who had died in Grenada and was in touch with local authorities.

The results of an autopsy report should be revealed in the coming days.

Shocking hijack just weeks earlier

This shocking event follows the deaths of two other holidaymakers in Grenada last month, although that was in more brutal circumstances.

US couple Ralph Hendry and Kathleen Brandel are thought to have died in what is believed to have been a yacht hijacking. Although no bodies have been found, investigators are of the opinion that they were thrown overboard by three escaped prisoners.

The couple were on their way to a restaurant when it is understood their vessel was targetted and they were attacked by the desperate men.

Concern on the islands

Carriacou – meaning “Isle of Reefs” – is the second-largest island within the state of Grenada at roughly 12 miles long by 3 miles wide, and is home to around 8,000 residents.

It is located around a 90 minute ferry journey away from the main island in the Lesser Antilles. These deaths have sent shock waves right across Grenada and its Grenadine Islands, especially as tourism is vital to the economy.

Paradise Beach was voted best Caribbean beach in 2022 and is famed for its crystal-clear and turquoise waters, and boasts some of the world’s finest dive spots and unspoiled coral reefs.