Wed, 2014-09-17

Following this past weekend’s search and rescue effort involving an overdue vessel, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Marine Unit, Bermuda Radio and the Bermuda Water Safety Council wish to remind local mariners that the responsible operation of a watercraft includes having the required safety and communications equipment onboard before leaving any dock or mooring.

Inspector Robert Cardwell, Officer Responsible for the Marine Unit stated: “I can confirm that the BPS Marine Unit was involved in this search, working together and coordinating efforts to recover the overdue vessel with Bermuda Radio.

There are some serious concerns around the tragedy that could have resulted from this incident, which was avoidable. As the summer comes to an end, it is a timely opportunity to remind mariners of the requirement to have available in their vessels all of the prescribed safety equipment by law, which includes life jackets, flares and a working VHF radio. Leaflets on the details of what is required are available on the Bermuda Water Safety Council website (www.wsc.bm).

On a separate note, I would like to commend the operator of the dive boat that came to the assistance of the two persons involved in this incident.”

The operator of the overdue vessel has been issued with several summonses and will appear in Magistrates’ Court in the near future regarding the offences that were committed.

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