Police investigators have theorised that bad weather, and not captain error, turned a routine boat trip yesterday into a tragedy for a small family and their close friends.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Corporate Communications Unit confirmed last evening that two women died in the mishap, which occurred shortly after midday off the coast of Port Royal in Kingston.

The women's identities were not released.

According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded after the boat left Port Royal and headed for Maiden Cay, a popular beach and recreational spot.

According to one police investigator, the boat, with 13 persons on board, was minutes into the short trip when it encountered high winds and rough waters.

"It started to take on water, and some persons may have fallen overboard," the investigator told The Gleaner.

"It was just a bad day, a sad day."

The 11 remaining persons were reportedly rescued by the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard and fishermen who were in the vicinity of the doomed vessel. They were taken to the Kingston Public Hospital for treatment.

The police investigator, who requested anonymity, revealed that the boat's captain was interviewed for several hours and was cooperating with detectives.

The investigator indicated, too, that the captain "appeared to be very experienced" and that "his safety standard was very high".

"Everyone was wearing [life] vests, including the two persons who died. So, it's not like there was any lapse in safety standards," said the investigator.

livern.barrett@gleanerjm.com [3]