News

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday met with the five fishermen who survived nine days adrift at sea after a devastating fire destroyed their Trinidad and Tobago-registered fishing vessel. He welcomed the survivors at The Cobblestone Inn and commended their extraordinary resilience.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Friday praised the fishermen for their courage, discipline, and determination throughout the life-threatening ordeal. He also extended condolences on the death of one crew member, Anthony Murray of Trinidad and Tobago (66 years old), who died after the group was rescued. Acknowledging the emotional and psychological toll of the experience, the Prime Minister assured the survivors of the government’s continued support during their stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines before they return home to reunite with their families.

Prime Minister Friday also expressed appreciation to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), healthcare professionals, and all others who played a role in the rescue operation and the care of the fishermen following their arrival.

Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, speaking on behalf of Minister of the Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, Hon. Conroy Huggins, and the Ministry, said they were grateful that the crew of the St. Vincent VII had been rescued and safely brought ashore by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard.

“We are celebrating their lives and are grateful that they are here with us today,” Cruickshank-Howard said. “We wish them all the very best as they recover and prepare to return home to their families.”

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow, was among the welcoming party at The Cobblestone Inn.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information (API)