Local News
No Injuries Reported After Catamaran Accident Near Anegada Channel
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has confirmed that a sailing school charter vessel struck a reef and partially sank off the coast of Anegada on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
The incident involved the MV Nohea Holokai, a Lagoon 46 sailing catamaran, which reportedly made contact with a reef shortly after exiting the Anegada Channel. Structural damage caused the vessel to partially submerge. All 14 persons on board were safely removed from the vessel and no injuries were reported.
“A comprehensive safety investigation began on the same day of the incident,” said Jerome Padmore, Chief Marine Safety Accident Investigator at MSIRA. “We are following established investigative protocols to collect and analyze all relevant data to determine the circumstances surrounding this occurrence.”
The MSIRA stated that its investigations are conducted with the sole aim of improving maritime safety and are not intended to assign blame or determine liability.
“The findings of this investigation will be shared publicly at an appropriate time upon its conclusion,” Padmore said.
In a statement issued by the Premier’s Office, the Authority reminded the public that the reporting of marine accidents is a legal requirement under Section 7 of the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020.
The MV Nohea Holokai was part of a sailing school charter, though the name of the company operating the charter has not been disclosed.
The MSIRA operates under the Premier’s Office and is tasked with conducting independent investigations into marine accidents and incidents within the territorial waters of the Virgin Islands. The Authority’s mandate is guided by both local legislation and international standards, including the International Maritime Organization’s Casualty Investigation Code.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
