By Admin. Updated 11:47 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Two Saint Lucian fishermen escaped injury after their fishing vessel ran aground off the coast of Owia on Friday evening, prompting a response from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service and nearby residents.
According to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), the SVG Coast Guard Service received a distress call at approximately 6:21 p.m. from the operator of the Time and Chance, a white pirogue registered in Saint Lucia.
The operator reported that the vessel had developed engine problems and provided its location to the Coast Guard.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the vessel later ran aground amid adverse weather conditions in the waters off Owia.
Residents in the area reportedly responded after hearing cries for help and assisted in bringing both the vessel and its two occupants safely to the shoreline.
Police said the occupants, both Saint Lucian fishermen, were not injured during the incident. Their names were not released.
The RSVGPF said officers, together with members of the SVG Coast Guard Service, are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the grounding.
The incident occurred as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Office was warning of adverse marine conditions associated with Saharan dust haze.
In its midday forecast if Friday, July 10, the Met Office advised that small-craft operators and sea-bathers should exercise extreme caution due to above-normal swells of between 1.5 and 2.5 metres, occasional gusty winds and reduced visibility, with northeast winds of 25 to 40 km/h and higher gusts.
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