The ferry service, linking Anguilla with St. Martin/St. Maarten, already severely impacted by the closure of the island’s borders to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, has suffered another blow.
That blow is the sudden passing of one of Anguilla’s long-serving mariners and a main ferryboat owner and operator, Thomas Bryan, popularly known as “Tall Boy”.
He died on Sunday, June 21, spreading much regret and sorrow across the island, as well as in the neighbouring French and Dutch islands where he was also known.
Mr. Bryan, who was the owner of Diamond 1 and Diamond 2 ferryboats, had dedicated himself to improving Anguilla’s ferry service at a time when it was required by travel regulations; the growth and demands of the island’s tourist industry; and the need to upgrade the local port facilities.
He was assisted with the operations of his ferryboats by his two sons and a number of crew members.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Communications issued the following press release on Monday, June 22:
“The Anguilla Maritime Administration and the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority would like to express sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Thomas Bryan, affectionately known as “Tall Boy”, who passed away on Sunday, 21 June 2020.
Mr. Bryan was a pioneer and a trailblazer in the maritime industry for over 40 years. He has demonstrated his tireless commitment to the growth of the industry throughout the years as a captain, an owner, and a consultant. Through his sons and other family members, who are engaged in the maritime industry, Mr. Bryan’s memory and legacy will live on forever.
The entire maritime industry in Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Maarten, and across the region, are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”
