Another Rescue near Grand Turk

By Dana Malcolm

Staff writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 15, 2023 – Another successful search and rescue operation was carried out by boaters and private seamen in Grand Turk last Monday highlighting again the need for a marine rescue branch to return to the nation’s capital.

Businessman and community advocate, Ed Forbes told Magnetic Media that at approximately 4:44pm Monday evening, he received a call that a boater was in distress.

“At the time of the call, the vessel coordinates were approximately midway between Grand Turk and South Caicos and was drifting westward.”

He explained further, “DECR Officers Dewandre Smith, Ronald Parker and I who happened to be on the beach at the time, quickly jumped into action and headed out to sea.  Captain Tim Dunn and Maritime officer Myron Simmons later joined the search.”

About an hour into the search, Forbes said they were updated that the boaters were spotted drifting toward Ambergris Cay.  Two hours after the search began, at approximately 6:45 pm, the vessel was seen and safely towed back to shore without incident.

“Once again, incidents of this nature underscore the dire need for a maritime vessel.  Nevertheless, developing a strong public/private partnership is a great start in helping to support community efforts and save lives,” said Forbes who has had to rush out along with his fellow boaters on desperate searches such as this one time and again.

Over the last six months incidents including an airplane crash has seen residents become first responders and labelled local heroes.  While many are willing to support search and rescue operations, it is more strongly believed the Royal TCI Police should be leading the charge.