PRESS RELEASE: AIRCRAFT INCIDENT NEAR GRAND TURK - January 3rd, 2023

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) notified the Department of Disaster Management that it had received information that a small, private aircraft travelling from St. Kitts to Providenciales with four (4) souls on board reported difficulties South East of Grand Turk. 

The Chair of the Airport Authority reacted quickly, and a coordinated all-agency approach between: The Governor’s Office; DDME; Commissioner and Chair of the Airports Authority mobilized a search and rescue operation that included: the US Coastguard, Maritime Police, Commercial Airlines and Local Boat Captains. The Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, Hospital, Ambulance, Regiment and Red Cross also played their roles.

Despite the Coastguard Helicopters searching the area for over 3.5 hours, there had been no sighting by 15:00. But, at around 15:30, the four survivors were rescued by ‘Deep Blue Charters’ captained by Mr. Kellison Talbot, assisted by Anthony Forbes and Jervis Simmons. In the best traditions of ‘saving life at sea’ Mr. Talbot had opted to join the search rather than accept a tour. Mr. Ed Forbes, businessman and boater of Grand Turk, was also highly instrumental in coordinating a small boat search party.

The Governor spoke to the Pilot immediately after the rescue, and the problem arose because of the failure of the fuel pump to the reserve fuel tank. When this was detected, the aircraft was brought down to a lower altitude; when the engine failed, the aircraft was brought down under control into the ocean about 13 miles South-East of Grand Turk. A raft was deployed, but the sea swell quickly took it away. The crew and passengers were therefore, in the sea, clad in their life jackets, throughout the time of the search. While they could see the Coastguard helicopters, there was never a direct overflight of them.  

The Ministry of Health ensured that an ambulance and staff were present to immediately transport the survivors to the Cockburn Town Hospital for medical observation. Once persons were discharged, the Ministry of Tourism was on hand to ensure hotel accommodation. Fresh clothing and support was provided by H.E. The Governor’s ADC; the TCI Red Cross supported with the provision of toiletries.

Those rescued said they were incredibly grateful to the local crew who saved them and the hospitality shown as they reached Grand Turk. It was very good news they were fit enough to be released from the hospital within hours and were accommodated overnight in Grand Turk. All in Government wish to pass on our thanks to those in the boating community in Grand Turk who so generously gave of their time, and their experience, in generating such a positive outcome, from what so easily could have been a New Year’s tragedy.