The St. Lucia government Wednesday said it will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragic marine collision at Anse Cochon, west of here, involving two vessels on July 18, which claimed the lives of two people.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that the Governor General will formally appoint the Commission, which will be chaired by a former high-ranking member of the judiciary. It will also include experts in maritime operations and marine safety, as well as a police investigator.
It said that the Commission will be expected to make recommendations to strengthen maritime safety, improve regulatory oversight and reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future. The statement said that the Commission’s Terms of Reference will be announced subsequently.
Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre said the tragic loss of lives has deeply affected the nation and underscored the government’s responsibility to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that every lesson is learned.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that the Commission’s work results in meaningful improvements that enhance the safety of everyone who uses St. Lucia’s waters.
The deadly marine collision off the west coast of St. Lucia occurred early Sunday in waters between Soufrière and Canaries, near Anse Cochon. The crash involved one vessel travelling south and another heading north.
Apart from the two dead persons, later identified as Mhakeida Nestor and Debbie Dolor, several others were injured and rescuers said some survivors were found clinging to the wreckage before they were brought ashore to a nearby beach, where they received emergency medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) in a statement extending its ‘deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and friends of the individuals’ who died, said that ‘this heartbreaking incident has deeply saddened the maritime community and the nation as a whole’.
It said that the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and that in keeping with its statutory responsibilities, SLASPA, through its Department of Maritime Affairs, is providing the necessary regulatory and technical support to the relevant authorities as required during the investigative process. ‘The Authority will continue to cooperate fully with the investigating agencies.
SLASPA remains committed to fulfilling its mandate as St. Lucia’s maritime regulator by promoting the safe and orderly use of the nation’s waters through effective regulation, oversight, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.’
SALSPA said following the conclusion of the investigation, it will carefully review its findings and recommendations and, where appropriate, implement measures to further strengthen maritime safety in St. Lucia.