Passenger Ferry Sinks Between St. Kitts & Nevis

The St. Kitts & Nevis Observer is reporting all 47 passengers and crew aboard the inter-island ferry Apple Syder were safely rescued on Monday after the vessel experienced difficulties and began submerging just minutes after departing Basseterre for Nevis. 

According to initial reports, the ferry encountered problems just minutes into its routine voyage, prompting an emergency response from the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard and other responders.  Video footage circulating on social media shows passengers wearing life jackets floating in the water as rescue teams worked to bring them to safety while the vessel partially submerged.

Both Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Hon. Terrance Drew, and Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, confirmed they had been briefed on the situation.