News

Shortly after 7:30PM 11 April, a report was received of a vessel in distress in the North Sound. The vessel, a 14 foot aluminum boat, was said to have been having engine trouble and drifting with one person aboard, while two other persons had entered the water.

The Cayman Islands Coast Guard responded and began a search in the area where it was said the vessel was last seen drifting towards. CICG was assisted by members of the community, RCIPS officers and the Air Operations Unit.

With the assistance of family members, it was established that the vessel had drifted across the North Sound and came ashore in the vicinity the Holiday Inn.

The RCIPS Helicopter confirmed the presence of the vessel and officers from the RCIPS made contact with the gentleman who had been aboard. Emergency services also attended the location and the man was medically examined and found to be in good health.

All persons have been accounted for and the vessel has also been recovered.

CICG would like to take this opportunity to remind boaters to always ensure that you have onboard a working flashlight, signal flares, a VHF radio and a cellular phone that is charged and in a watertight package.

“Had any one of these devices been onboard last night the vessel and its occupant could have been located in a much faster time,” says Commander Robert Scotland. “While we are happy that all of the young men were located, last night’s incident could have had a very different result, so please remember to ensure that you always have the proper safety equipment onboard, and that each person also has on a personal floatation device.”