Increase in Water related incidents

CICG Reports Busier than Normal Sunday Water Activity

Last Sunday, 28 August, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard reported seeing an increase in number of water related incidents.

CICG officers reported a total of (7) incidents, of which:


  *   There were (4) instances where vessels were stopped for exceeding (5) knots within 200 Yards of the shore line.
  *   One marine conservation related offence, emanating from a vessel found to be fishing within a prohibited zone (Marine Park).
  *   One drug related offence, following an attempt by the operator of a personal watercraft/jet ski to flee from officers, which resulted in the jet ski being recovered and a small porting of ganja recovered.
  *   One water related accident involving (2) personal watercraft/jet skis, in which injuries were sustained by one person. The injured person was taken to the Cayman Islands Hospital for treatment of what were said to be non-life threatening injuries.

Preliminary enquiries do not suggest that alcohol was a contributing factor, but do suggest that one of the operators was riding in a dangerous and unsafe manner. Investigations into the collision are ongoing.

CICG would like to take this opportunity to remind persons to:


  *   Exercise caution and good judgement when operating jet skis and other vessels on open water and especially when within 200 yards of the shore line.
  *   To always ensure that vessel speed is no more than 5 knots (no wake should be seen behind your vessel) when less than 200 yards of the shore line.
  *   To never operate any type of vessel when under the influence of alcohol or any other substance which can impair judgment, vision, or response time.