Bodies of two missing Soufriere men recovered as Government announces Commission of Inquiry
The search for two men who had been missing since Saturday night’s deadly marine collision off Anse Cochon ended this week with the recovery of their bodies.
Marley William and Tyrone Elivique, both of Baron’s Drive, Soufriere, were recovered off Anse La Raye Bay between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, according to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, bringing the death toll from the tragedy to four.
The collision occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, July 18. Preliminary investigations indicate that marine vessel Mango Tours was travelling southwards, while Ocean Angel was proceeding towards the northern part of the island when the two vessels collided.
Their deaths came days after 21-year-old Mhakeida Nestor of La Fargue, Choiseul, and 25-year-old Debbie Dolor of Market Road, Soufriere, were confirmed dead following the collision between Ocean Angel and Mango Tours. The wreckage of both vessels have since been recovered.
Fourteen people were injured in the collision and received medical attention at the Soufriere Hospital. Those with more serious injuries were transferred to the island’s two main medical facilities for further care.
The wreckage of both vessels has since been recovered.
With the search now concluded, attention is turning to the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Prime Minister Pierre, in a recent statement on the matter, expressed that “the loss of lives has deeply affected our nation and underscores the Government’s responsibility to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that every lesson is learned,” and has thus announced that the Government will appoint a Commission of Inquiry to examine those circumstances.
The Commission will be formally appointed by the Governor General and chaired by a former high-ranking member of the judiciary. It will also include experts in maritime operations and marine safety, as well as a police investigator. The Commission is also expected to make recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety, improving regulatory oversight and reducing the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
The Commission’s Terms of Reference will be announced subsequently.
The Prime Minister notably expressed that “the Government is committed to ensuring that the Commission’s work results in meaningful improvements to the safety of everyone who uses Saint Lucia’s waters.”
Meanwhile, the Police Marine Unit has renewed its call for mariners, fishers, pleasure craft operators and passengers to make safety a priority whenever venturing onto the sea.
The Unit reminded vessel operators of their responsibility to ensure that craft are adequately manned by certified, competent and capable crew members able to safely navigate, maintain an effective lookout and respond to emergencies.
They stressed that a proper lookout must be maintained at all times by sight and hearing, while vessels operating between sunset and sunrise must display the appropriate navigation lights for their class and size.
The Marine Unit also stressed the importance of carrying adequate and serviceable safety equipment appropriate to the voyage, including life jackets for every person on board, communication equipment, approved distress-signalling devices, first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers where required.
Mariners have also been reminded of their obligations under Rule Two of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, commonly known as COLREGs, which states that nothing in the rules absolves any vessel owner, master or crew from the consequences of failing to comply with them.
As the families of all four victims mourn, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision remain ongoing.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Police Marine Unit have extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, with further information to be provided as it becomes available.