The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man onboard a mailboat docked in Smith’s Bay, Cat Island, on Sunday morning.

A preliminary report on the matter issued by police indicated that the vessel, while en route from San Salvador to New Providence, began to take on water shortly after 1am Sunday morning, forcing the boat to divert to Cat Island.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said at approximately 9am, three of the five crew members onboard were discovered unconscious, suffering from smoke inhalation.

Of the three, one was pronounced dead and two others were treated by local physicians and are listed in stable condition.

ACP Dean said two other crew members on the vessel were not affected.

Last night, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation said officers from the Port Department and Bahamas Maritime Authority would be dispatched this morning to conduct a casualty investigation under the Merchant Shipping Act.

The statement said the vessel in question is the Lady Rosalind 1.

“A full report will be completed at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, and a determination will thereafter be made as to any further action to be taken,” the ministry said.