Officers of the Marine Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) are being commended for their prompt action in a recent rescue operation that highlights the unit’s commitment to maritime safety and preparedness.
On the evening of Sunday, March 8, officers responded swiftly to a report of a vessel in distress off Gros Islet.
Already on active patrol, the Marine Unit redirected their efforts and located the distressed vessel over nine nautical miles northwest of Pigeon Island later that evening.
All five occupants were safely recovered, brought ashore in good health, and the vessel’s cargo has been secured with relevant state agencies engaged for proper handling.
This successful rescue exemplifies the professionalism, readiness, and quick response of the Marine Unit officers.
A crucial factor in the operation’s success was the safety equipment onboard the vessel, which included items from the safety “grab bags” distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development. These bags contain VHF radios, distress signals, first aid supplies, and other essential emergency tools designed to assist fishers in times of distress.
Having access to such equipment importantly improved communication and visibility, greatly aiding responders in locating the vessel promptly.
This initiative, executed in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, also included collaborative training sessions, ensuring that fishers are adequately equipped and knowledgeable about using these essential tools effectively.
This operation clearly illustrates 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 collaboratively to build a safer maritime environment for our nation.