Six US Tourists Rescued After Boat Capsizes by Joint RBR-BPS Team

Six American tourists were plucked from waters in the Great Sound yesterday, after their rental boat capsized in Cavello Bay in Sandys.

Initial reports indicated that two boats capsized – only one incident was officially reported and responded to by the joint services marine team comprised of the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) and Bermuda Police Service (BPS).

The police boat Rescue 2 was deployed to the scene where the Boston Whaler rental overturned just before noon.

RBR Private Keeshun Best, a member of Boat Troop said: “There were a few people holding on to a capsized boat which was sinking.

“We got them out of the water and took them to Somerset Bridge – they were very grateful we turned up.

“I’ve done training for this kind of thing, but never had to do it before. But I knew exactly what to do and kept calm,” he added.

Lance Corporal Donavin Trott-Burchall, who piloted an RBR rigid-inflatable boat on patrol in Mangrove Bay and answered the distress call, said:”“The water was a bit rough for such a small boat and it tipped over.

“We were going to tow the boat back but a jet ski that was with them did that, so we resumed our patrol.

“It’s just making sure everyone is safe and keeping a presence out there. People are less likely to act up if they see us and we’re here to assist people if something goes wrong – I’m okay with that,” he added.

Pte JD Symons, who crewed the RIB with L/Cpl Trott and Bermuda Reserve Police Section Officer Jeffrey Benevides, said: “This is the reason I got into the Regiment.

“Just getting out on the water and policing it – it’s great. We are extra hands to help out in rescues and things like that. It’s definitely worthwhile.

“A lot of what we do is training to look out for people and this is exactly what we’re doing – keeping an active watch.”

Section Officer Benevides, added: “We wouldn’t have been able to have such a high-profile presence this year without the RBR. I enjoy working with them.

“I’ve cross-trained with them and done some weekend camps with them.

“The Reserve Police works really well with the Regiment – I guess because we’re all volunteers. We’re all here for the same reason. We want to give something back to the community.

Pte Best and L/Cpl Trott-Burchall were two of nine RBR soldiers deployed on a five-strong fleet of Boat Troop and police boats for the raft up, including 41 Juliet, a derelict boat brought back to life by RBR marine specialists and only commissioned last Wednesday.

Sergeant Major Jeffrey Patterson, the officer-in-charge of Boat Troop, said: “It’s been a very positive experience. There were fewer boats and it has been quieter than last year.”

He also noted that the joint patrols had assisted other boats that got into trouble amid high winds and strong waves.

Sgt Maj Patterson added: “We have worked very well with the police and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

Pte Best and L/Cpl Trott-Burchall were two of nine RBR soldiers deployed on a five-strong fleet of Boat Troop and police boats for the raft up, including 41 Juliet, a derelict boat brought back to life by RBR marine specialists and only commissioned last Wednesday.

Sergeant Major Jeffrey Patterson, the officer-in-charge of Boat Troop, said: “It’s been a very positive experience. There were fewer boats and it has been quieter than last year.”

He added that the joint patrols had assisted other boats that got into trouble amid high winds and strong waves.

Sgt Maj. Patterson said: “We have worked very well with the police and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

• Feature Photos Supplied – Top Photo: Patrol debut: 41 Juliet, the newest addition to the RBR Boat Troop fleet, patrols the traditional raft up at Mangrove Bay with soldiers and police on board