Police Issue reminder on Boating Safety

Police Issue reminder on Boating Safety following Vessel in Distress in Little Cayman

Shortly after 6:00PM on Sunday, 19 March, officers in Little Cayman responded to a report of a vessel in distress in the waters offshore of the Hungry Iguana Restaurant. It was reported that a vessel with three occupants had just left shore when it encountered difficulties due to strong wave action in the area.

Officers attended the location and observed a small single-engine vessel in the shallow waters that appeared to have taken on water. Members of the public at the location were assisting two of the occupants from the vessel and onto the shore.

Officers from the Cayman Islands Fire Service, along with medical staff also attended the location to assist. The third occupant, who was also the operator of the vessel and who appeared to be intoxicated, was uncooperative and resisted attempts to assist him, instead acting in an aggressive manner. He was eventually brought to shore and all three persons were seen by medical staff and transported to the Little Cayman Clinic for further assessment. No one was injured during the incident.

The RCIPS extends sincere gratitude to the members of the Little Cayman community for their valuable assistance in this incident, which remains under investigation.

The RCIPS and Cayman Islands Coast Guard are taking this opportunity to remind boat owners and operators to always be mindful of proper safety when operating a vessel. In particular, persons should refrain from operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Doing so puts not only your life at risk, but also the lives of your passengers and other persons using the water.

In addition, in the event an incident does occur, you may be liable to a charge of reckless and negligent act, or other potential charges.