MP's boat incident being investigated

The authorities are investigating the circumstances which led to a boat, allegedly belonging to South West St Catherine Member of Parliament Everald Warmington, capsizing at sea last Sunday with several passengers aboard.

Information reaching THE STAR is that a planned social gathering had to be halted, then postponed after the incident left patrons shaken and thankful to be alive.

Our news team understands that the incident occurred off the coast of the Old Harbour Bay fishing village in St Catherine, and the passengers were rescued by fishermen and the police's Marine Division.

THE STAR was told that the incident occurred some time after 10 a.m. and no one was injured.

Our news team gathered that the vessel was making its second trip transporting persons to Pigeon Island for a fun day when it capsized.

One of the councillors, who was part of the event, told THE STAR that when persons realised that the boat was taking in water, they turned back, and during an attempt to evacuate the boat, the vessel capsized.

The councillor said that Warmington was not on the boat at the time of the incident, but a decision was made to call off the event.

Efforts to speak to Warmington were futile as calls to his cell phone went to voicemail.

Our news team was told that the Maritime Authority of Jamaica also has an interest in the probe surrounding the mishap.

THE STAR was told that the Marine Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force also plans to look into the matter.