BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – VISITORS to the Dieppe Bay area this morning (Nov. 27) met a vessel – said to be flying a Guyanese flag – that had run aground on a large reef in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of that village.
Circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear at this time but, on a visit to the area, SKNVibes saw that the vessel was teetering on the reef.
It was also observed that two small boats containing fishermen and divers were out at sea seeking to provide assistance to the four-plus individuals aboard the foreign vessel.
After more than an hour out at sea, the fishermen and divers returned and reported that the individuals on the distressed vessel refused to be helped, indicating that they do not want to be brought to the island and preferred to continue on their journey.
Police Officers and other individuals from Dieppe Bay and surrounding communities were on the beach observing as the rough seas tossed the lodged vessel from side to side and at some points it appeared as though it was about to capsize.
SKNVibes is uncertain from whence the vessel came and to where it was heading, but residents of the area indicated to this publication that it normally plies that route to get to its destination.
Information reaching this media house suggests that a St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard unit was on the scene to provide assistance but, for whatever reason, reportedly left with the intention of returning with a larger-sized vessel.
Colonel Patrick Wallace, Commander of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force under which the Coast Guard falls, told this publication shortly before press time that the Coast Guard is currently on the scene rendering assistance to the distressed vessel and its occupants.
An update will be provided as information becomes available.
