TWO police officers have today been praised for ‘going the extra mile’ to help a stricken sailor at the weekend
Kent Fisher and his three crew members were forced to abandon their yacht after it ran aground on a reef in rough seas off Middle Caicos.
The four occupants took to a raft which was spotted by a member of the public floating about three miles off the Blue Horizon Resort.
Police were alerted and a full scale rescue operation was launched involving the Marine Division and the US Coastguard.
The coastguard helicopter located the raft and the quartet – captain Fisher, David Stain, Penny Spiers and Bianca Evans – were winched to safety and all found to be in good health.
Meanwhile, PC Winston Grant and District Constable Brody Forbes, who are both based on Middle Caicos, headed out to inspect the yacht in a small motorised boat.
Unable to get close to the vessel, the two officers anchored some distance away before swimming to the craft, which was taking on water and in danger of sinking.
Once on board, the pair recovered a large number of items including laptop computers, cameras, navigation equipment, medicines, clothing and telephones.
Captain Fisher said: “What these two police officers did was beyond the call of duty and I am really grateful to them for going the extra mile. “They were forced to swim from their boat to the yacht in rough seas in a bid to save some of our personal items and that really was an act of professionalism, kindness and bravery.
“I would like to thank PC Grant and DCst Forbes for what they did. They and all RTCI Police personal we dealt with were really helpful and efficient.”
The 42-feet yacht, named Dubber Snr Duffour, was en-route to Tortola in the British Virgins Islands from Miami when it ran aground. Earlier it had called into Providenciales to refuel.The vessel remains stuck on the reef although preparations are being made for it to be towed into harbour to assess the damage. RTCI Police Deputy Commissioner, Brad Sullivan, added: “This was an operation involving multi-agencies and one that was very effective. The most important thing is that all those on board were found safe and well and without injuries. “The police officers involved carried out their duties both efficiently and effectively and I too would like to add my praise for the work done by PC Grant and SPC Forbes in particular.”
Constable Winston Grant- Officer in Charge of Middle Caicos Police Station
ENDS
For further information contact Paul Baker on 232-3469