Mysterious boat found off Bequia

Police here are trying to establish the origin of a vessel found drifting in Vincentian waters on Tuesday, June 9th, 2009.

When contacted, Commander of the Coast Guard, Brenton Caine, said the Coast Guard was alerted by fishermen on Tuesday morning that a large pirogue was seen floating approximately two miles off the East coast of Bequia without any occupants.{{more}}

Commander Caine speculates that the boat may not be from the region and might have drifted from Africa.

Caine said the Coast Guard went to the area and the boat was towed to the Coast Guard base at Calliaqua by one of the Coast Guard’s captains, Leading Seaman Melita Browne.

“Basically, it’s our responsibility to take the Public Health precautions. We are not sure of the origin of the ship or where the contents have been before. So what we are trying to do is to make sure it’s rendered safe from Public Health perspectives so that the police and Coast Guard can continue any further investigations,” said Dr. Roger Duncan, Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. Duncan said the Ministry of Health and Environment will handle the disinfection of the vessel, and disinsection if it’s necessary.

He said once the boat has been rendered safe, it will be turned over to the Coast Guard to continue with whatsoever investigations need to be done. (HN)