PHILIPSBURG:--- St Maarten authorities have identified the male found deceased on a vessel in the Simpson Bay Lagoon earlier this week as U.S. citizen Sean Mattan. Mattan, born May 6, 1965, was discovered aboard his sailboat, Peace, following concerns from his family after he went missing for over 24 hours.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) reported that during the night of Tuesday, March 3, into Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Central Dispatch received information regarding an unresponsive male on a vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard initially confirmed contact with the sailboat, which remained anchored near coordinates 18.040623, -63.094611 in the Simpson Bay Lagoon, before transferring the matter to local police.
Following the report, police patrols, alongside the Forensic Department and the Detective Department, immediately responded to the location. Authorities conducted a preliminary investigation in collaboration with a medical doctor and determined that Mattan passed away due to natural causes.
Initially, KPSM reached out to the U.S. embassy to help locate and notify the next of kin. Meanwhile, Mattan's relatives, seeking answers about his whereabouts, contacted local media, namely SMN News for assistance. On Wednesday, the family successfully connected with the KPSM Detective Department to confirm the details of the tragic situation.
Mattan's family is expected to arrive in St. Maarten today to handle his affairs and make necessary arrangements.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten has extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.