Calls Grow for Improved Maritime Emergency Response
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos – A routine afternoon took a dramatic turn on Sunday when a man was pulled unconscious from the waters off Sunset Cabana Beach, prompting a desperate effort to save his life.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., a passerby frantically flagged down Ed Forbes, a local boat captain and member of the search and rescue team. The passerby was screaming for help, as his friend was nowhere to be seen in the water. Responding without hesitation, Forbes rushed to the boat ramp to retrieve his vessel.
In the meantime, Doug Fenimore of Island Tram Tours, along with Faith Anne Forbes and Sharrad Smith, sprang into action in an attempt to rescue the drowning victim.
Fortunately, Kell Talbot, who is also part of the local search and rescue team, had his vessel anchored near the Jack Shack beach ramp. He and I along with Jamal Chapman, joined the race against time. However, by the time we arrived, bystanders had already managed to pull the unconscious victim onto the shore, where CPR was being administered while emergency services were contacted.
The victim had reportedly been underwater for approximately 15 minutes before being recovered. Paramedics arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, continuing life-saving measures before transporting him to the hospital.
As of now, police have confirmed that the victim regained consciousness and is receiving medical attention.
This latest near-tragedy raises urgent concerns about the lack of maritime emergency response services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Despite being surrounded by water and heavily reliant on marine tourism, these islands lack the necessary resources, trained personnel, and emergency equipment to respond swiftly to water-related incidents.
“How many more lives have to be put at risk before Grand Turk and Salt Cay receive the maritime and DECR emergency resources needed to save lives?” one rescuer asked.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that local businesses and individuals play in emergency response efforts. Without the selfless actions of community members like Doug Fenimore, founder of Island Tram Tours, the outcome could have been far worse.
As calls grow louder for improved safety measures, residents and visitors alike are left questioning: When will the islands receive the life-saving infrastructure they so desperately need?
