The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard is conducting an active search operation following reports that a captain fell overboard from a vessel bound for Dominica late Tuesday night.
The missing mariner has been identified as Phillippe ‘Daniel’ Jules, reportedly fell overboard while attempting to avoid being struck by the vessel’s mast.
Information provided to the Coast Guard indicated that the incident occurred at approximately 2300 hours on October 21.
‘They cleared Customs on Tuesday and moved to Dominica. Five crew, six passengers on board, and somewhere between six and ten nautical miles northeast of Guadeloupe at around 2300 hours . Jules was either struck by the mast of the sailing vessel or he fell overboard as a result of trying to avoid being struck,’ sais ABDF Officer Lieutenant Best.
‘So far, we’ve been able to confirm that five crew . and all passengers are confirmed safe in Guadeloupe. Most understandably they are shaken and we can understand that this is a difficult situation to be in. It is just the Captain who remains unaccounted for,’ he said.
The ABDF Coast Guard expressed regret that official notice of the incident was received only during the early daylight hours the following morning, resulting in a delayed response and reduced likelihood of a swift recovery. ‘Despite this delay, the organization asserts that extensive efforts continue as we work tirelessly to transform this unfortunate event into a successful rescue,’ he stated.
Best reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safety while noting meanwhile that some passports cannot be recovered.
He said that all available resources are being utilized in pursuit of a favorable outcome and that their thoughts and prayers remain with Jules’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Best also used the opportunity to urge all mariners to maintain proper safety protocols while in port, at anchor, or under weigh, including the consistent use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems.