Over 40 persons were rescued from the MV Apple Syder on Monday morning June 29th. Based on photos and videos making the rounds on social media, the ferry is understood to have encountered issues, shortly after departing the ferry terminal in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Then suddenly, it began to sink with its passengers. Fortunately, community heroism was displayed as the VONNEWSLINE was reliably informed that thanks to the fishermen, the crew of Makana Ferry Service and the coast guard, no one was injured and no deaths occurred. Videos on social media platforms show passengers wearing life jackets floating in the water, as rescue teams worked to bring them to safety.
The Coast Guard had a line attached to the boat, pulling it back to the harbour. Minutes later, a second boat from the Apple Syder fleet, arrived at the scene to assist. Members of the SKN Defence Force were seen taking several persons to the JNF Hospital.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, mentioned via his official Facebook page that he visit the passengers at the hospital and “everyone from the ferry, Apple Syder is safe. Thanks to God, the emergency response teams, hospital staff, and civilians for their tremendous rescue efforts.”
Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Mark Brantley, also said on social media “my office has received news of an accident at sea involving one of our inter island ferries…all passengers and crew are safe. We are grateful to our Coast Guard and other first responders. We are grateful to God.”
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources-St. Kitts, the Hon. Samal Duggins, issued a statement and said “As more information becomes available, I encourage everyone to rely on official updates and to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
