Local News
Inaugural MSIRA Report Blames High-Speed Turn in Andato Rollover; No Life Jackets Worn, Kill Cord Off
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) said in its inaugural report that when the 39-foot MV Andato, a Deep Impact 399 center-console, capsized at high speed in Leverick Bay just before the May 25, Leverick Bay Poker Run, no one was wearing a life jacket and the engine kill cord was not engaged.
The report issued by Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore confirmed that six people were aboard: four were ejected and two were trapped beneath the hull, with all six injured. Investigators estimated the vessel executed a sudden port-side turn at 40–50 knots at about 10:57 a.m. before rolling over.
MSIRA concluded the rollover resulted from a high-speed maneuver and the dynamic characteristics of the stepped hull at speed; no mechanical or structural failures were identified.
The report recommends the BVI Ports Authority assess and implement enforceable speed limits, navigation safety signage, and operator information for North Sound and similar high-traffic marinas. It further urges the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) to require life-jacket wear for small planing craft operating at speed and to introduce operator-competency requirements covering high-speed maneuvering, kill-cord discipline, and passenger management.
“This report is not about blame, but about learning and improving. By understanding what went wrong, we can take steps to prevent similar accidents and strengthen maritime safety across the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Padmore said.
MSIRA noted its safety investigations aim to prevent future accidents and are not intended to assign liability, consistent with BVI law. The report also highlights existing obligations under the COLREGs ‘safe speed’ rule and gaps in locally enforceable speed limits in North Sound marinas. MSIRA said it will continue publishing reports to promote transparency and higher safety standards across the territory.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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