Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has extended condolences to the families of two young women killed in a late-night marine collision off Anse Cochon, an incident that also left 14 people injured and two others missing.
According to Antigua News Room, the collision occurred at approximately 11:55 p.m. on Saturday when the vessel Ocean Angel struck the pirogue Mango Tours off Saint Lucia's western coast.
Police identified the deceased as Mhakeida Nestor, 21, of La Fargue, Choiseul, and Debbie Dolor, 25, of Market Road, Soufrière.
"On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Mhakeida Nestor and Debbie Dolor," Pierre said. "We mourn with you during this time of immense grief."
Preliminary investigations by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force indicate that Mango Tours was travelling south while Ocean Angel was heading north at the time of the impact. Mango Tours sank following the collision, while Ocean Angel sustained significant damage.
Emergency responders continued searching on Sunday for two individuals who remained unaccounted for. Pierre expressed that his thoughts were with those injured and with the families awaiting news of their missing loved ones.
The prime minister commended the Police Marine Unit, Saint Lucia Fire Service, Coast Guard, medical personnel, and all others involved in the emergency response effort.
"The Government will continue to support the ongoing response and the investigations into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident," Pierre said.
Police confirmed that both the investigation and the search-and-rescue operation remain ongoing.
