Boat moving passengers from Antigua to the USVI capsizes, 1 confirmed dead, about 30 missing

16

NEWSCO: One body is said to have been recovered and around 15 people rescued.

The 30ft vessel with two outboard engines is believed to have been dangerously overcrowded.

Reports say that it was en route to St Thomas.

It was spotted capsized with people clinging to the hull by a passing luxury sail boat which lent immediate assistance.

The boat is around 12 nautical miles off the coast of St Kitts.

SEARCH AND RESCUE UNDERWAY

A boat allegedly carrying around 30 passengers from Antigua to another Caribbean island is believed to have capsized early this morning.

A spokesman for the Antigua and Barbuda Coastguard confirmed they were monitoring the situation following the incident said to have happened shortly after midnight.

Details remain sparse but he said a number of vessels are currently assisting at the scene off the coast of St Kitts.

Among those involved in the search and rescue is the St Kitts Coastguard.

ALSO READ:

UPDATE: 15 still missing after boat sinks 40 miles off the coast of Antigua

ALSO READ:

Antigua and Barbuda PM promises full investigation into deadly incident at sea involving Africans

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

16 COMMENTS

  1. This is very disturbing, heart rending and devastating news.
    First off condolences to the family of the deceased.
    Some real questions need to be answered anyhow.
    What was the name of the vessel and what was it’s registration?
    Was this voyage a sanctioned voyage? In other words were proper protocols followed for it’s departure? It would seem so at first glance for the information released thus far indicates knowledge of intended destination and number of passengers onboard. I would take it that that number includes the crew.
    At what time did they depart Antigua and was the vessel equipped with the necessary equipment for calling for help?. It would appear that no distress signals were set off or no SOS calls made.
    What are the Nationalities of the passengers?
    I hope our investigative journalists are on this. I hope we get follow up information.

  2. I sincerely hope it’s not the Africans who have reached rope’s end and resorted to this!!! God help all involved

  4. Sounds like another African misadventure. Our people better wake up! What Gaston really get us in now? Add this to the list of issues the need an immediate investigation.

  5. What an awful tragedy!

    I’m hoping that more survivors are located and found safely, and there are many vessels in the nearby vicinity to help with the rescue.

    Praying for all concerned 🙏

    • Furthermore, as yet, I can’t speculate whether or not this highlights more illegal trafficking issues, but my immediate concern is about the safe rescue of survivors.

      However, very concerning development!

  6. The Africans realizing the Antiguan dream not coming true so we load boat and try to reach America..

  8. Rather bizarre story with much speculation as to the nationality of the passengers. Just so sad and regrettable event as we await clarification and confirmation.

  9. How can we make such assertions about the whole incident when we are still waiting for information? This is such blatant insensitivity.

  10. This incident is already being reported by the various in Europe, the US and Britain. Antigua again!

  11. This incident is already being reported by the various press in Europe, the US and Britain. Antigua again!

  13. may GOD PROTECT AFRICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF BAD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIL WAR . JUST LIKE THE ISRAELITES THEY ARE MOVING TO THE PROMISE LAND . MAY GOD PROTECT THEM AND MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM TO LEAVE ANTIGUA LEGALLY .PLEASE LET THE GOVERNMENT ASSITS THESE MIGRANTS TO LEAVE

Comments are closed.