All Passengers Rescued as Inter-Island Ferry Sinks in Basseterre Harbour
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew has confirmed that all 47 passengers and crew on board the inter-island ferry, Apple Syder, had been rescued on Monday and that he has visited the J. N. France General Hospital to ensure their safety following the incident in the Basseterre harbour.
Efforts being made to rescue passengers on sinking Inter-Island Ferry on Monday“I just left the hospital where I was updated that everyone from the ferry, Apple Syder is safe. Thanks to God, the emergency response teams, hospital staff, and civilians for their tremendous rescue efforts,” Dr. Drew said in a statement, adding that relevant updates will be made public.
Drew said he had also been monitoring the situation since early Monday.
“I have been in constant contact with the Commander of the Defence Force and have been assured that every available resource has been deployed in the effort to save the lives of all those on board the ferry Apple Syder,” he added.
Nevis Premier Mark Brantley said his office had received news of “an accident at sea involving one of our inter-island ferries.
“At this point the information is that all passengers and crew are safe. We are grateful to our Coast Guard. We are grateful to God,” he added.
Videos posted on social media showed the inter-island ferry Apple Syder experiencing difficulties before submerging just minutes after departing Basseterre for Nevis.
The videos also show passengers wearing life jackets floating in the water as rescue teams worked to bring them to safety.
“Prime Minister Drew expresses profound gratitude to every individual and agency involved, and above all gives thanks to Almighty God for His grace and protection over everyone on board. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as necessary,” according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is expected to begin soon and in a statement posted on his Facebook page, Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, wrote “with a sigh of relief and hearts full of gratitude, we give thanks that everyone is safe.
“As we reflect on today’s frightening incident, memories of the ill-fated MV Christena inevitably come to mind. May we never forget that tragedy, even as we remain thankful that this situation ended without the loss of life. We commend the swift response of the Coast Guard, fishermen, and all who assisted in ensuring the safe rescue of those on board. Truly, every life saved is a blessing,” he added.
On August 1, 1970, the inter-island ferry, MV Christena, sank in the “Narrows” strait. It was designed to hold an estimated 155 passengers, but at the time of the incident, the vessel had more than 300 people celebrating the Emancipation holiday, leading to the tragic loss of 233 lives.
