🚤 Tragic boating accident claims life of 54-year-old man

A 54-year-old man from Bodden Town, Cayman Islands, tragically lost his life in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the boat he was in ran aground on a reef around Colliers Channel in East End. Despite advice from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard to stay on the boat, the man entered the water in an attempt to aid the rescue of his vessel. The incident was reported to the Coast Guard Operations and Rescue Coordination Centre at around 11:45 pm on Tuesday, 28 May.🌊

Upon arrival, the Coast Guard attempted to rescue the boat, but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the vessel's position on the reef. The occupants were advised to remain onboard as the rising tide was expected to free the vessel. However, one of the men entered the water to request a tow line from the coastguard vessel. Tragically, he got into difficulty and became immobile while returning to the grounded vessel. Despite immediate rescue efforts and CPR, the man was unresponsive and later pronounced dead at George Town hospital.🏥

The second man on the boat was safely transported to shore and assessed by EMS. The boat could not be removed from the reef. Officials have stated that a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is now underway.⚓