A tourist from the United States drowned in Costa Rica over the weekend during a cruise that he had arranged as part of his 52^nd birthday celebration. The unfortunate incident took place in the Pacific Ocean stretch between Puntarenas and the beach resort town of Playas del Coco in the province of Guanacaste.

James Warner had arrived in Costa Rica with the explicit goal of thoroughly enjoying his easement into middle age. According to a news report filed by Gabriela Solano, correspondent journalist for daily tabloid Diario Extra, Mr. Warner was on a pleasure cruise that got underway from Puntarenas, and he could not wait to arrive in Playas del Coco, where even more fun awaited him.

Mr. Warner apparently decided to take a dip -without a life jacket- in the Pacific Ocean prior to reaching his destination; alas, he did not return to the yacht. According to an incident report filed by the crew of the vessel, Mr. Warner was out of sight within a couple of minutes after going overboard. The precise time when Mr. Warner entered the water was not specified in Ms. Solano’s report.

Able swimmers from the crew and passengers jumped overboard to augment the initial search effort, which in the end lasted more than 24 hours. It took nearly two days to find Mr. Warner’s body, which was carried in a northerly direction by the strong currents.

The yacht crew was extremely saddened by the demise of Mr. Warner, who was a jovial fellow extremely elated by his visit to Costa Rica. His body was taken aboard the yacht back to Puntarenas, where medical examiner staff and forensic agents awaited the sorrowful arrival. The Costa Rica Star hereby extends condolences to the loved ones of the late Mr. Warner.