NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Junkanoo Beach shoreline glowed with a somber luminosity on Saturday evening as a community united in grief to honor Jayden Pinder, a 19-year-old boat captain whose life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident on December 26th.
The vigil, organized by his close friends and former baseball teammates, drew hundreds of family members, colleagues, and loved ones who gathered to create a poignant maritime memorial. Participants launched illuminated paper lanterns that ascended into the nocturnal sky while floating candles drifted across the ocean’s surface—a dual tribute reflecting Pinder’s profound connection to the sea.
Isadora Blyden, the young man’s grand-aunt, characterized the gathering as a profoundly appropriate farewell. ‘This was fitting for us as a family, to be here together with people whose lives he touched,’ she expressed. ‘We know him to be someone who always wore a smile, who was always helpful, respectful, and polite.’
The tragic sequence unfolded on Boxing Day when Pinder and another individual were riding a jet ski off West Bay Street. According to eyewitness accounts, a substantial wave displaced both riders into the water approximately at 6 PM. While bystanders successfully assisted both individuals to shore, Pinder had become unresponsive.
Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered until Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived on scene. He was rapidly transported to a nearby medical facility but was subsequently pronounced dead, sending shockwaves through his family and the broader community.
The loss has been particularly devastating for his mother, Janeile, who dedicated her life to nurturing her only child’s ambitions. ‘She’s been able to laugh, but she’s had a lot of tears,’ Ms. Blyden disclosed. ‘Every interest that he had, Janeile has supported 110 percent, and so as a family, we feel her pain.’
Pinder, who served as captain aboard The Allegra, nurtured ambitious maritime aspirations. Relatives confirmed he dreamed of establishing his own charter company to share his passion for oceanic exploration. ‘He wanted people to be able to explore and enjoy the waters as much as he loved to,’ a family member noted.
Devera Pinder, the young captain’s aunt, described processing the loss as among life’s most challenging experiences. She recalled her nephew as a ‘kind, loving and gentle giant’ who stood over six feet tall and consistently served as protector and leader among his cousins. ‘Although we can’t understand in this moment,’ she reflected, ‘we’re still grateful we had him in our lives.’