British yachtie’s death result of multiple trauma

A post mortem examination conducted on British national John Edward Garner found that he died as a result of multiple trauma, in keeping with blast injuries, local police have confirmed.{{more}}

Garner, who was the lone occupant of the yacht “ASANTE,” was found in the waters off Buccament on March 26, floating on a life raft after the yacht had exploded.

According to the police, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the yacht was seen on fire at sea off the Buccament waters and there was a loud explosion.

The police say that the Coastguard services responded immediately and Garner’s body was discovered with injuries to both of his legs, as well as to his head.

“Prior to the Coastguard’s arrival, personnel of Indigo Dive, St Vincent, had responded to the incident and had found the body of the deceased floating in the water, “ the police said.

Garner was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The post mortem further indicated that Garner’s blast injuries ruptured his heart, aorta, stomach, head and ribs.

According to the report, debris and oil spill were found at the scene of the incident where Garner’s catamaran had sunk.

The catamaran is registered in Gibraltar.

Garner, 64, is reported to have arrived in St Vincent and the Grenadines on January 19, 2014, in the company of his wife, Heidi Hukkelaas, and was granted an extension to remain in the state to no longer than April 19.

The couple is reported to have wed in October 2012.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the Norwegian Hukkelaas, left St Vincent and the Grenadines on March 25, via the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Bequia.

The police say that Hukkelaas is not “a person of interest at this time.”

‘It is believed that Garner was the lone individual on the catamaran. The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has been in contact with the British High Commission and Garner’s relatives. Investigations are ongoing.”