The Government of Saint Lucia will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal marine collision at Anse Cochon on July 18, 2026, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 22, by Press Secretary Melissa Paul, who said the inquiry will examine the events surrounding the collision involving two vessels, which claimed the lives of at least two Saint Lucians and left others injured.
“Prime Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre has announced that the Government of Saint Lucia will appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragic marine collision at Anse Cochon involving two vessels on July 18, 2026, which claimed the lives of at least two Saint Lucians,” Paul stated.
The Commission will be formally appointed by the Governor-General and will be chaired by a former high-ranking member of the judiciary.
According to Paul, the inquiry will include specialists with expertise relevant to maritime safety and law enforcement.
“It will also include experts in marine operations, marine safety, as well as a police investigator,” she said.
The Commission will be tasked with determining the facts surrounding the incident and making recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
“The Commission will be expected to make recommendations to strengthen maritime safety, improve regulatory oversight, and reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future,” Paul explained.
Prime Minister Pierre said the tragedy had deeply affected the nation and highlighted the Government’s responsibility to ensure a thorough investigation.
“Prime Minister Pierre said the tragic loss of life had deeply affected the nation and underscored the Government of Saint Lucia’s responsibility to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that every lesson is learned,” Paul said.
The Government is expected to announce the Commission’s terms of reference at a later date.
Paul said the Prime Minister remains committed to ensuring that the inquiry leads to meaningful improvements in maritime safety.
“Prime Minister Pierre said the Government is committed to ensuring that the Commission’s work results in meaningful improvement that enhances the safety of everyone who uses Saint Lucia’s waters,” she stated.
The marine collision, which occurred in the early hours of July 18, prompted a major emergency response involving the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Saint Lucia Fire Service, Coast Guard, medical personnel and other responders. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately following the incident.