‘Fast Ferry’ heavily damaged by fire

TRAVEL TO THE GRENADINES took a blow on Thursday, August 7, 2025 when the Jaden Sun, a boat known to many as the fast ferry, was heavily damaged by fire.

“This boat is very important to the Grenadines because it is a faster ride. People already calling me asking me what’s happening,” the Jaden Sun’s engineer, Lawson Derrick told SEARCHLIGHT at the Kingstown wharf hours after the fire.

A BURNT-OUT SECTION of the MV Jaden Sun.

Reports are that about 7.45 a.m., people around the Kingstown/Grenadines wharf on Upper Bay Street,Cane Garden, and other areas close-by, noticed smoke coming from the vessel which was docked at the wharf from the day before (August 6). Minutes later, smoke began spewing from the vessel, and flames could be seen shooting from the back of the boat. The fire department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) responded to the fire, and, with help from several members of the public, the blaze was put out, but not before the vessel was severely damaged and deemed inoperable.

Derrick, who has been an engineer with the Jaden Sun for about 10 years, said he was working below deck when he picked up a strange smell coming from the upper deck of the vessel.

“I was in the engine room when I smell something funny and ran to check…I saw fire, and I tried to put it out but I couldn’t, so I ran… it was in the saloon area where the passengers usually are,” Derrick said, while adding that he is devastated by the fire as he has become accustomed to the job, having worked around boats all his life.

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