Political leaders across Saint Lucia have expressed condolences and appealed for prayers following the fatal marine collision at Anse Cochon that claimed the lives of two young women, injured fourteen others and left two people missing.
According to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the collision occurred at approximately 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, 18 July, involving the vessel Ocean Angel and the pirogue Mango Tours.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mango Tours was travelling southwards while Ocean Angel was proceeding towards the northern part of the island. Following the collision, Mango Tours sank, while Ocean Angel sustained damage. Police also recovered a section of the damaged vessel.
Authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Mhakeida Nestor of La Fargue, Choiseul, and 25-year-old Debbie Dolor of Market Road, Soufrière, lost their lives in the incident. Fourteen people sustained injuries, while two individuals remain unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre described learning of the tragedy as a moment of “profound sadness.”
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic marine collision at Anse Cochon, which has claimed the lives of two young Saint Lucians and left several others injured, while search and rescue efforts continue for those who remain missing,” the Prime Minister said.
Extending condolences on behalf of the nation, Pierre said, “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. We mourn with you during this time of immense grief and pray that you find strength and comfort in the support of your families, friends and communities.”
He also offered prayers for those injured and for the families of the missing.
“Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. We remain especially mindful of the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as search and rescue operations continue.”
The Prime Minister commended emergency personnel for their efforts.
“I wish to commend the officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Saint Lucia Fire Service, the Coast Guard, medical personnel, and all others involved in the emergency response. Their professionalism, courage and dedication under extremely difficult circumstances are deeply appreciated.”
He added that “the Government will continue to support the ongoing response and the investigations into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” before urging citizens to “keep the victims, their families, the injured, the missing, and the emergency responders in their thoughts and prayers.”
Soufrière/Fond St Jacques Parliamentary Representative Emma Hippolyte also appealed for calm as the community came to terms with the tragedy.
“This morning, the Soufrière constituency is in sorrow. We’ve lost two young ladies, and we have two young men missing in a boat accident that took place in the wee hours of the morning,” Hippolyte said.
“As a Parliamentary Representative, I just need to ask everyone to remain calm.”
She thanked the many people involved in the emergency response.
“I want to take this moment to thank the persons who worked all night, the police officers, the nurses, the doctors, the rescue team, from Ti Kai down to Soufrière, who have actually came out and assisted.”
Hippolyte said arrangements were being made to provide counselling for affected families.
“We’re making plans now to get counselling to the various families. As a constituency, as a nation in sorrow, we’ve lost our young persons. I want us to just keep ourselves in the state of prayer and please this entire situation, families and those persons that are injured, in our continuous prayer.”
Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet also extended sympathy to those affected.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragic boat accident,” Chastanet said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. To the families of those still missing, we stand with you in hope and prayer. To those who were injured, we wish you strength, healing and a full recovery.”
He also praised those participating in the rescue effort.
“We also thank the rescue teams, first responders, fishermen, volunteers, and everyone working tirelessly in the search and recovery efforts. Your courage and dedication have brought hope during this difficult time.”
Chastanet concluded by saying, “May the souls of those who have passed rest in eternal peace, may those still missing be found, may the injured recover swiftly and may God grant comfort and strength to every family affected.”
Former Choiseul/Saltibus MP Bradley Felix also reflected on the tragedy.
“2026 has struck again with another painful reminder that life can change in an instant. If this isn’t another reason to hold our loved ones a little closer, I don’t know what is,” Felix said.
He added, “Papa Bondyé, my prayers on this Sunday is for everyone affected by this tragic boat accident. Bring comfort and peace to every grieving heart.”
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations resumed at first light on Monday as officers from the Police Marine Unit continued efforts to locate the two missing individuals.
Police said personnel began searching the waters around Anse Cochon and surrounding areas at approximately 6:00 a.m. The operation covered an area extending approximately two nautical miles west of Anse Cochon, south to Canaries Bay and north to Anse La Raye.
Despite the extensive search, police reported that there were no sightings of the two missing individuals. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as investigations into the cause of the collision continue.