According to initial reports, at around 9:20 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026, 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. Photo: Facebook

A passenger, Alberto A.F. Hewlett, aboard the inter-island ferry, Apple Syder, which began to submerge just minutes after departing Basseterre for Nevis, described his experience as traumatising, though he remained surprisingly calm. Photo: Facebook

There were 47 passengers and crew members aboard the Apple Syder, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries or loss of life, and all passengers were safely rescued. Photo: Internet Source

Eight Antiguan nationals are safely back on shore following a dramatic rescue operation Monday morning, June 29, 2026, after the vessel carrying them began sinking while returning from St Kitts. Photo: Antigua News Room

Alberto A.F. Hewlett, who lives in St Kitts but works in Nevis as the 6th Form College Art & Design Teacher, spoke to Virgin Islands News Online about the incident and stated that he left home at 6:20 AM to catch the 9:00 AM boat but noticed that the ferry was filled with passengers and cargo, particularly with boxes of bananas.

According to initial reports, at around 9:20 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026, 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.

There were 47 passengers and crew members aboard the Apple Syder, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries or loss of life, and all passengers were safely rescued. 

Recounted his experience

Hewlett recounted, “We disembarked at 9 AM, and then the journey began. The boat took off at its usual speed, and then we heard a loud noise, like it had hit a rock or something. It continued at the same speed, and then we heard another sound, as if the boat had scraped the bottom. The captain said we would turn around, and he slowly started to make our way back. We then noticed the boat was sinking, and within a minute, the water was up to our shins. Everyone put on their life vests.”

He stated that some passengers began throwing out the bananas while others were instructed to remain calm and follow the crew's directions as they awaited the Coast Guard.

Hewlett stated that he did not lose anything personally; however, some passengers lost their luggage. 

According to Video footage circulating on social media, passengers were wearing life jackets and floating in the water as rescue teams worked to bring them to safety while the vessel was partially submerged.

The swift response of the St Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, local fishermen, and the vessel Markana have been credited with aiding the successful rescue of those on board.

Boat sinks off Antigua

Meanwhile, eight Antiguan nationals are safely back on shore following a dramatic rescue operation Monday morning, June 29, 2026, after the vessel carrying them began sinking while returning from St Kitts.

According to Antigua News Room, the passengers were approximately 19 miles off the coast of Antigua when the boat became distressed, triggering an emergency response.

Eli Fuller, owner of Adventure Antigua, responded after receiving word of the emergency. Fuller arrived on scene to find the passengers attempting to climb aboard a nearby vessel. He and his team then brought all eight individuals safely onto their own boat and transported them back to Antigua.

The Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard also played a role in the rescue effort.

All eight passengers were reported to be shaken by the ordeal but sustained no injuries.