Probe into capsizing boat in Negril

The Westmoreland police have launched an investigation to determine whether a party boat that capsized in the vicinity of Rick’s Cafe in Negril on Saturday afternoon was in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Reports are that the boat, which was allegedly packed with patrons, set sail from a location in the resort town of Negril and docked in the vicinity of Rick’s Cafe.

The vessel reportedly developed mechanical problems and capsized, resulting in dozens of persons jumping into the sea to avoid being pulled underwater.

The patrons were rescued by two other vessels. No injuries were reported.

Superintendent Robert Gordon, commanding officer of the Westmoreland Police Division, said that a number of persons may find themselves in danger of prosecution.

Gordon said that video recordings suggested that an event might have been hosted on the boat.

Under the DRMA, all entertainment events have been banned.

“We have not yet identified the particular boat that was sinking, but based on what we saw, it would appear that the vessel docked in the vicinity of Rick’s Cafe when it started to sink,” the commanding officer said.

President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, Richard Wallace, said that while he was thankful that no one was hurt, he was concerned that the DRMA may have been breached.