The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard is actively responding to reports of a captain who fell overboard from a vessel en route to Dominica late Tuesday night.
Information reaching the Coast Guard indicates that at approximately 2300 hours on October 21, 2025, Phillippe “Daniel” Jules, Master of SV VOILACTUS, reportedly fell overboard while attempting to avoid being struck by the vessel’s mast. The incident occurred in open waters approximately six nautical miles northeast of Guadeloupe. This Headquarters confirms that coordination efforts continue with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Fort-de-France, Commandement de la Gendarmerie, and other key local and regional stakeholders to locate him. The remaining ten persons on board have been confirmed safe within Guadeloupe.
The ABDF Coast Guard regrets receiving official notice of the incident only during the early daylight hours of the following morning, resulting in a delayed response and reduced likelihood of a swift recovery. Despite this, extensive efforts continue as we work tirelessly to transform this unfortunate event into a successful rescue.
The ABDF Coast Guard reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of mariners and all users of the maritime space in and around the sovereign waters of Antigua and Barbuda. The organization further asserts that all available resources are being utilized in pursuit of a favorable outcome. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Mr. Jules during this difficult time.
The ABDF Coast Guard also takes this opportunity to urge all mariners to maintain proper safety protocols while in port, at anchor, or underway, including the consistent use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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