Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic drowning incident that claimed the life of 19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas from Seatons. The unfortunate event unfolded during a recreational diving expedition on Friday, February 13, 2026, when Nicholas and an accompanying individual ventured into coastal waters aboard a private vessel.
According to preliminary reports from the Royal Police Force, both individuals entered the ocean waters near Seaton’s Dock for diving activities. During the excursion, Nicholas encountered significant difficulties with his fishing apparatus and was last observed attempting to swim back to the safety of their boat. When his companion returned to the vessel, Nicholas had vanished from sight, prompting immediate but unsuccessful search attempts.
The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard was promptly alerted and launched an extensive maritime search operation involving multiple rescue vessels and specialized personnel. Despite thorough search efforts throughout Friday afternoon, the operation was temporarily suspended at 5:30 p.m. without locating the missing teenager.
Search and recovery missions resumed at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, culminating in the tragic discovery of Nicholas’s body at 10:09 a.m. on the seabed near Long Bay Beach. Medical personnel officially pronounced the young man deceased at 10:39 a.m.
The Police Administration has expressed profound condolences to Nicholas’s family and loved ones while extending gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard and all civilian participants who assisted in the recovery operation. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident to determine potential contributing factors and prevent future tragedies.