DROWNING INCIDENT
On 12 June 2022 at about 6:56am, the Coast Guard received a report of a man named Winston Charles who fell into the water near Pillar of Hercules. CLICK HERE TO JOIN WHATS APP GROUP
The initial report received by the Coast Guard indicated that Mr Charles could not swim and was in distress.
He was one of two men who reportedly went line fishing in the area when the incident occurred.
Upon receiving the report, the Coast Guard immediately prepared and sent out an Urgent Marine Radio Broadcast on VHF channel 16, which requested that any vessel in the vicinity of the reported area should provide assistance.
The Coast Guard also deployed one of its response vessels to the area to conduct a search for the missing man.
The first Coast Guard vessel arrived on scene at about 7:33am and commenced the search for Mr Charles.
The second vessel arrived on scene with a Coast Guard diver and commenced search at approximately 8:50am.
The body of Mr Charles was found at approximately 08:58am and retrieved from the water by the Coast Guard diver.
The body of Mr Winston Charles was taken to Nelsons Dockyard where the body was turned over to police and later identified on location by his sister.
The district doctor arrived on location and, after checking the body, pronounced Mr Charles dead at approximately 11:07am.
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force would like to extend condolences to the family of the deceased as they mourn this tragic loss.
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard (ABDF CG) is committed to the safety of all individuals who use our waters for various recreational and commercial purposes.
We advise all persons who operate near or in our waters to exercise extra care and caution and to be safe at all times. CLICK HERE TO JOIN WHATS APP GROUP
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Instructions on safety controls for the general public could go some way in helping to reduce these sorrowful conditions.
For example, wearing safety equipment like life jackets out on the water. Having an inflated tube handy to assist someone who may be experiencing difficulties; but over and above all, taking swimming classes if you want to enjoy the pursuits of water borne activities whether for fun or for food.
We live on a small island, I don’t understand why every child is not taught to swim in primary school, if not earlier.
When I last visited Antigua I took a cruise around that area of Pillars of Hercules and that patch of water was horrendous.
Most folks was told to temporarily stop walking around on the boat and had to sit because the sea was having it’s way with boat.
I always say anyone who goes to a stretch of water should have with them in the vehicle at minimum 15/20 ft of rope.
I pray he didn’t suffer long
May God be merciful
God is great
Blessings to the family and friends.
I empathize with the family and friends of the deceased.
Why are we not hearing that the boat owner was charged for taking the guy out to sea without proper safety equipment in the boat?
Motorists are charged for not wearing seatbelts. These boat owners should be charged for not having these safety equipment in their boats.
Well said Joan- I fully endorse.
Absolutely tragic, person on boats who are unable to swim should be compelled to wear life jackets at all time. This tragic event was avoidable.
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