Police have formally charged Soufrière resident Lester Jean, better known as “Soya,” with trespassing and grievous harm following an alleged attack on a yacht owner.
Jean was arrested and charged on August 7 after a report was made to law enforcement. He was subsequently taken before the court for a bail hearing.
The charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred following a deadly boat collision near Anse Cochon. Jean, who is understood to have survived the collision, allegedly swam with other survivors toward a nearby yacht owned by an American national, apparently seeking assistance.
According to reports, the circumstances aboard the vessel remain unclear. Jean and the other survivors were allegedly perceived by the yacht’s owner as attempting to rob the vessel. Jean was reportedly stabbed by the owner, after which an altercation ensued, during which the owner sustained serious injuries.
Jean has subsequently been charged in connection with the incident. However, the precise sequence of events, including what transpired when the survivors reached the yacht and the circumstances leading to the confrontation has not yet been fully disclosed.
The marine collision occurred at approximately 11:55 pm on Saturday, July 18, and involved two vessels.
According to reports, the two vessels were travelling in opposite directions with no lights when the vessels collided. Police have since recovered the wreckage of both boats along with four bodies.
Fourteen people were injured and taken to Soufriere Hospital. Those with more serious injuries were later transferred to the OKEU and Tapion hospitals for further care.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision remain ongoing.
