In a tragic series of events, a 63-year-old British national has become the third UK tourist to pass away in the coastal area of Candolim, Goa, within the month of December. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the popular tourist destination.
Details of the Latest Incident
Barry Mark Gerrard, a resident of a beach resort in Vaddy, Candolim, was declared 'brought dead' at the Candolim Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the early hours of Friday, December 15. According to Calangute police, they received an alert from the health officer at the PHC at approximately 1:43 AM.
Following the call, police officials visited the health centre. There, they spoke with the deceased's brother, 67-year-old Paul Mattias Gerrard, who was also staying at the same resort. Paul informed the authorities that his brother had been suffering from emphysema, a serious lung condition that affects breathing.
A Disturbing Pattern in December
This unfortunate event marks the third death of a British citizen reported in Candolim in December alone, highlighting a concerning pattern.
Earlier, on December 3, 54-year-old Ian William Griffith was also declared brought dead at the Candolim PHC. Griffith had arrived in Goa just three days prior to his death and was staying at a resort in Dando.
Just a day before that, on December 2, 66-year-old Stephen Patrick Pattison collapsed and died on Candolim beach itself. Doctors at the PHC confirmed he was brought dead to the facility by lifesavers from Drishti Marine. Pattison had been residing in a guest house located in Vaddy.
Authorities and Implications
While the police have registered the cases, the recent death of Barry Mark Gerrard appears to be linked to a pre-existing medical condition based on the initial statement from his family. The authorities are conducting routine procedures for all three incidents.
This cluster of deaths, however, brings attention to the well-being of international tourists, especially senior visitors with health concerns, during the peak tourist season in Goa. It underscores the importance of travel insurance, carrying medical history, and being aware of one's physical limits while holidaying.
The local administration and tourism stakeholders often emphasize the availability of medical facilities, but such consecutive incidents may prompt a review of emergency response protocols in high-traffic tourist zones.
