Two Saint Lucian fishermen are safe after their fishing vessel ran aground off the coast of Owia on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026. The incident prompted a response from both the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service and local residents who assisted in the rescue.
According to reports from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the Coast Guard received a distress call at approximately 6:21 p.m. from the operator of the Time and Chance.
The vessel, identified as a white pirogue registered in Saint Lucia, had developed engine problems. The operator provided the vessel’s location, but the boat subsequently ran aground due to adverse weather conditions.
Residents in the area responded to cries for help and played a crucial role in bringing the vessel and its two occupants safely to the shoreline. Authorities confirmed that the two fishermen were not injured during the incident.
The grounding occurred as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Office was warning of difficult marine conditions linked to Saharan dust haze. Earlier that day, the Met Office had advised small-craft operators to exercise extreme caution due to above-normal swells of up to 2.5 meters, reduced visibility, and gusty winds reaching 40 km/h.
Police officers and members of the SVG Coast Guard Service are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the grounding.
