Nearly two months after a maritime collision at Anse Cochon claimed the lives of four young Saint Lucians and left several others injured, a four-member Commission has been sworn in to investigate what went wrong and what must change to prevent another tragedy.
Retired Justice Mario Michel will chair the Commission of Inquiry, alongside Mr Dede, Assistant Commissioner of Police De Freitas and retired Superintendent Frederick.
The inquiry, which officially runs from September 8, 2026, to March 8, 2027, will examine the circumstances surrounding the July 18 collision as well as Saint Lucia’s maritime safety laws and procedures. But its mandate goes beyond determining precisely what happened that evening.
Michel said the Commission intends to use the tragedy as an opportunity to identify weaknesses and recommend measures that could strengthen maritime safety and help prevent similar incidents.
Acknowledging the confidence placed in the commissioners, Michel pledged that the team would “endeavour to the best of our collective abilities” to fulfil its mandate. He said the commissioners, together with Secretary Lenita Joseph and Legal Counsel Shahida Charlemagne-Octave, would work collectively to discharge the Commission’s responsibilities.
Acting Governor General Felix Finisterre, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, congratulated the commissioners and thanked them for accepting what is expected to be a demanding and highly scrutinised assignment.
Drawing on his own experience participating in a commercial inquiry, Finisterre acknowledged the demands of the process and cautioned that commissioners could face significant public interest and questions surrounding the proceedings.
The Commission will now be tasked with establishing the circumstances that led to the deadly July 18 collision and examining whether changes to existing maritime safety systems, laws or procedures are needed.
Public sittings are scheduled to take place at the Parliament Chamber in the Parliament Building on Laborie Street, Castries.
While proceedings are expected to be open to the public, the Commission retains the authority to exclude individuals where necessary to preserve order, ensure the proper conduct of proceedings or for other stated reasons.
For the families affected by the Anse Cochon tragedy and a public seeking answers, the next six months could provide greater clarity about what happened on July 18 — and whether lessons from that night will lead to changes aimed at making Saint Lucia’s waters safer.
