RIU expresses condolences after tourist dies in Saona Island incident

A foreign tourist identified as Moira Clayton Finney died in a suspected drowning on a beach on Saona Island, according to preliminary reports released Tuesday. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Available information indicates that Finney was staying at the Riu Palace Hotel in Punta Cana and was alone when the incident occurred.

Following news of the death, RIU Hotels & Resorts expressed its condolences to Finney’s family and said it had made itself available to the authorities handling the case.

The hotel company emphasized that the incident occurred outside RIU’s facilities, services and operational areas and was not related to its hotel operations. RIU also said it regretted any attempt to associate the incident with circumstances unrelated to the chain’s activities.

The company reaffirmed its confidence in Punta Cana as a world-class tourism destination, highlighting its standards of quality, hospitality and safety and its long-standing presence in the Dominican Republic.

RIU said it remains committed to the well-being of its guests and will continue cooperating with authorities by providing any assistance required as the investigation proceeds.