Three persons from the Island Harbour community and one Police Officer were awarded certificates of recognition for executing a successful search and rescue operation 70 miles NW of Anguilla. The circumstances are that Vern Webster alias “Gilly” from Island Harbour was returning home from a fishing expedition when he slipped and fell overboard his boat which was in gear at the time.
Mr Webster was rescued about an hour later by a passing fishing boat. However his boat continued for about 40 miles NW of Anguilla until the fuel was finished. An aerial search was mounted in collaboration with the Anguilla Pilots Association and was accompanied by Acting Sergeant Charles Webster from the Marine Department of the RAPF. The boat was spotted about 52 miles NW of Anguilla.
A search party comprising the four men then went via sea in search of the boat. It was found some 70 miles NW of Anguilla, about 50 miles NW of Tortola. The search lasted approximately 5 hours and the boat was toured back to Island Harbor Anguilla. The search was made possible with the use of Patrick Webster’s fishing boat, with the Royal Anguilla Police Force absorbing the fuel cost.
In presenting the certificates Commissioner Morrison thanked the men for their time, effort and bravery. He also alluded to a similar experience he had while serving in the merchant navy as a navigating officer in the Mona Passage. There was a massive engine room explosion which resulted in them drifting and feeling isolated and wishing someone would turn up at sea.
The search party comprised Acting Sergent Webster, Trivon Smith, Vernon Webster and Patrick Webster from the Island Harbour community.
