Coast Guard and ABSAR rescue stranded Frenchman and caution mariners about partially submerged vessel
It appears that rough seas and high winds might have caused a
French national to become stranded at sea, after his vessel ran
aground and was damaged.
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard
reports that, on Monday, January 29, at about 11:56 p.m., it received
a distress call from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center
(MRCC) Fort-de-France, advising that a vessel had run aground in
Falmouth Harbour and was taking on water.
Reportedly, the vessel was carrying one person at the time.
The Coast Guard says it immediately deployed assistance, while an
Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was transmitted by VHF,
urging nearby vessels to provide help.
MRCC Fort de France later confirmed the stranded vessel as S/V
ARCH ANGELS and advised that the occupant, a French national, was
located on the nearby rocks.
According to the Coast Guard, “upon investigation, it was found that
the grounded vessel was near Hudson Point (close to Willoughby
Bay).”
However, due to worsening sea conditions and limited visibility, at
3:07 a.m. the search was suspended until sunrise.
The ABDF Coast Guard says it returned to Willoughby Bay, at 7 a.m.,
to assist the person in distress. At this time, the assistance and
support of the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR)
was sought for the recovery effort.
After the French national was rescued, ABSAR reportedly
transported him to Falmouth Harbour at around 10 a,m., and he
received medical attention for minor cuts and bruises.
He was later taken to the Coast Guard base at Deep Water Harbour
for further investigation, the report adds.
Meanwhile, it notes that the vessel remains partially submerged
outside Hudson Point; therefore mariners are being advised to take
necessary precautions when navigating in that area.
The Coast Guard is also emphasizing the importance of cautious
navigation in unfamiliar waters and urging mariners to stay updated
on prevailing weather conditions.
