The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force – Marine Unit continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maritime safety, following a successful search and rescue operation off the northern coast.
On the evening of Sunday, March 8, officers responded to a report of a vessel in distress off Gros Islet. The team, which was already on active patrol, immediately redirected and, through coordinated efforts, located the vessel over nine (9) Nautical Miles northwest of Pigeon Island later that evening.
All five occupants were safely recovered and brought ashore in good health. The vessel was also carrying cargo, which has since been secured, with relevant state agencies engaged to ensure proper handling.
This successful rescue is a direct reflection of the professionalism, readiness, and swift response of the Marine Unit officers.
Crucially, the presence of safety equipment on board played a key role in the successful outcome of this operation. The vessel was equipped with items consistent with the safety “grab bags” distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development.
These grab bags—containing VHF radios, distress signals, first aid supplies, and other essential emergency tools—are designed to assist fishers in moments of distress. In this case, having access to such equipment significantly improved communication and visibility, aiding responders in locating the vessel in a timely manner.
This initiative, carried out in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, has also included training sessions delivered in collaboration with the Police Marine Unit—ensuring that fishers are both equipped and capable of using the tools effectively.
This operation clearly demonstrates how investment in safety, training, and inter-agency collaboration can save lives.
A Message to All Fisherfolk and Mariners
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force strongly encourages all seafarers to:
• Always carry and properly maintain safety equipment
• Ensure communication devices are functional before departure
• Take advantage of available training opportunities
• Inform someone on land of your intended route and return time
• Monitor weather and sea conditions closely
The Marine Unit remains dedicated to protecting lives at sea and commends all partners and stakeholders working together to build a safer maritime environment for our nation.
