A deadly maritime accident that shook the coastal community of Anse La Raye in Saint Lucia last July will finally move to public scrutiny next week, with formal public hearings into the July 18 boat collision off Anse Cochon set to kick off on Tuesday, October 13. The incident, which occurred between two vessels — the Ocean Angel and the Cazorla Jr — left four people dead and multiple others with severe, life-altering injuries.
The path to this public inquiry began last month, when the government of Saint Lucia confirmed that all appointed investigating commissioners had completed their swearing-in ceremonies. The official Commission of Inquiry was formally established on September 4 by Acting Governor General Felix Finisterre, CMG, acting on formal guidance from the country’s Cabinet.
Leading the investigative body is retired Justice Mario Michel, who brings decades of judicial experience to the probe. Joining Michel as fellow commissioners are Cuthbert Didier, a seasoned maritime industry consultant; Kentry Frederick, a retired Superintendent of Police; and Luke Defreitas, currently serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Rounding out the commission’s core team are Shahida Charlemagne-Octave, who will act as the inquiry’s legal counsel, and Lenita Joseph, who fills the role of commission secretary.
Per the government’s official mandate, the commission has been tasked with carrying out a comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigation into all circumstances that led to the fatal collision. Unlike closed-door investigative proceedings, all public sittings for the inquiry will be open to outside attendance, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the country’s Parliament Building. Both representatives of the media and members of the general public have been formally invited to observe the proceedings.
For any individuals who wish to contribute to the investigation by providing oral testimony to the commission, authorities have issued a call for submissions. Interested parties are requested to contact commission secretary Lenita Joseph via physical letter, email, or telephone to register their interest. Joseph can be reached at the following contact information: Lenita Joseph, Secretary, Commission of Inquiry – Maritime Collision at Anse Cochon, Parliament Building, Laborie Street, Castries; telephone: (758) 285-6273; email: inquirymaritime@govt.lc.