On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Mhakeida Nestor and Debbie Dolor.

It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic marine collision at Anse Cochon, which has claimed the lives of two young Saint Lucians and left several others injured, while search and rescue efforts continue for those who remain missing.

On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Mhakeida Nestor and Debbie Dolor. We mourn with you during this time of immense grief and pray that you find strength and comfort in the support of your families, friends and communities.

Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. We remain especially mindful of the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as search and rescue operations continue.

I wish to commend the officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Saint Lucia Fire Service, the Coast Guard, medical personnel, and all others involved in the emergency response. Their professionalism, courage and dedication under extremely difficult circumstances are deeply appreciated.

The Government will continue to support the ongoing response and the investigations into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

At this difficult time, I ask all Saint Lucians to keep the victims, their families, the injured, the missing, and the emergency responders in their thoughts and prayers.