ST. JOHN — Lucy Schuhmann, 48, of Kentucky, was reported missing on Thursday by the proprietor of the Airbnb where she was staying in Coral Bay on St. John. Ms. Schuhmann had not checked out as scheduled, her belongings were in her room, and her rental jeep was subsequently found at the Salt Pond parking area in Virgin Island National Park, the National Park Service said Sunday.
Staff from the Park, St. John Rescue and Virgin Islands Police Department initiated water and ground searches of the area on the south shore of the island. A day pack belonging to Ms. Schuhmann was found on the Ram Head Trail, but offered little information. An identification card belonging to a St. John resident was also found, but appears unrelated to the Ms. Schuhmann’s disappearance.
Today National Park Service staff are following up on leads developed by search parties working earlier in the week, according to the release. Additional searches on the ground took place this morning and Park and St. John Rescue divers are searching the waters in the Ram Head area. Weather conditions are likely to deteriorate beginning late tomorrow as Tropical Storm Karen approaches; a tropical storm watch has been issued for the Virgin Islands.
The Park Service has asked that the public refrain from visiting the Salt Pond area while the search is ongoing. The search will continue Monday as needed and as safe conditions allow.
NPS said its staff are in close contact and assisting the family of Ms. Schuhmann, who request privacy at this time.
Individuals with information that they believe may assist in the search may call 866.995.8467, option 2. The park will provide regular updates via media releases and social media.
Contact Thomas Kelley at 340-690-2440 should you have any questions.
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
