In a devastating blow to Antigua’s tourism sector, the acclaimed Kaikoconut floating bar was completely destroyed by a fire on Sunday evening. Owner Glen Hector has made an unwavering commitment to rebuild the luxurious party catamaran, despite facing estimated losses exceeding EC$2 million.
The two-level vessel, equipped with restaurant facilities, waterslides, and trampolines, had capacity for 175 guests and had rapidly become a must-visit destination since its January 2024 launch. Hector described watching his three-year construction project burn in under 30 minutes as utterly heartbreaking. The entrepreneur was at home with his infant son when alerted to the blaze near Valley Church Beach.
The cause remains mysterious, with Hector confirming standard closing procedures were followed and no one was aboard when the fire ignited. The inferno presented explosion risks due to EC$35,000 worth of alcohol onboard.
The timing proves particularly devastating for the business momentum. Kaikoconut had secured prestigious cruise ship contracts, 50 confirmed events, and a scheduled appearance at Miami’s major cruise industry conference next month. Immediately following the incident, Hector began refunding over EC$120,000 in customer deposits.
This setback represents the latest challenge for the resilient businessman, who previously built Creole Antigua Tours over two decades ago. The Kaikoconut project already survived pandemic-related construction delays, financial strain, and supply chain disruptions.
The catastrophe currently leaves eight staff members unemployed, with the wreckage submerged pending insurance assessment and salvage operations. Despite the overwhelming loss, Hector’s determination remains steadfast, envisioning Kaikoconut as a legacy for his children and grandchildren. The company’s social media expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support during this challenging period.