A passenger vessel traveling from Castries, Saint Lucia, ran aground off the coast of Martinique on Wednesday, March 18, prompting a large-scale evacuation operation.
According to authorities in Martinique, a total of 81 passengers and three crew members were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported and there was no evidence of pollution.
The CROSS Antilles-Guyane (Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center) was alerted to the situation at approximately 4:45 pm, and emergency response teams were immediately mobilized.
A rescue vessel from the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) based in Le Marin was dispatched to assist. However, due to the vessel being firmly grounded and unable to be refloated, a decision was made to evacuate all passengers.
The evacuation process began around 5:30 pm but was described as complex due to limited access to the stranded vessel.
Authorities indicated that the SNSM lifeboat could not approach the vessel directly without risking running aground. As a result, passengers were first transferred to a shallow-draft private barge, before being moved onto the rescue vessel for transport to shore.
The operation was supported by the nautical brigade of the national gendarmerie, with all passengers safely evacuated to the port of Le Marin by approximately 8:30 pm.
Officials credited the coordinated response of the vessel’s crew and emergency services for the safe outcome.
As of Thursday morning, operations to refloat the vessel were ongoing under the supervision of the CROSS Antilles-Guyane, with the crew remaining on board to assist.
Further updates are expected as recovery efforts continue.
