safety steps

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟! 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7nmQGOj9na4QhBa12

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard responded to a Maritime Distress situation involving the vessel F/V LADY MEDESHA on Monday, 20 April 2026.

At approximately 0745 hours, the Coast Guard Base received a distress report from Singerman Base (a voluntary maritime distress monitoring station situated in Montserrat) via VHF Channel 16 indicating that the vessel had experienced an electrical failure while operating approximately 7NM Northeast of Redonda, with three people on board.

Upon receipt of the report, the ABDF Coast Guard immediately activated the Search and Rescue (SAR) system. Initial coordination efforts included engagement with the Fisheries Department, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Fort-de-France Martinique, and dialogue with the vessel’s owner to gather additional information in support of the rescue.

A Coast Guard patrol vessel was deployed to the reported area, while an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) maritime alert broadcast was issued to the attention of vessels operating within the general area.

Shifting position reports posed initial challenges in locating the vessel at the surface, therefore aerial support was later deployed to improve coverage of the operational area.

The ABDF Air Wing aircraft (Raven 1) successfully located LADY MEDESHA approximately 5NM southeast of Nevis, where regional coordination efforts resulted in the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard responding to the exact location of the distressed vessel, where it was safely towed into Charlestown.

All three people on board were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. The ABDF Coast Guard commends the timely cooperation between local agencies, regional partners, and members of the maritime community, which contributed to the successful outcome of this operation.

Mariners are reminded to ensure the seaworthiness of their vessels and that all vessels are equipped with functional communication and electrical systems prior to departure and to maintain regular contact with shore-based stations. “Safety at sea remains a shared responsibility.”