A multi-agency drill last Thursday morning tested emergency responders’ ability to handle a serious boat wreck.
The exercise, which lasted from 10:38 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m., simulated a collision between two vessels involving 12 individuals, according to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
During the drill, responders recovered three participants from the water: One played the part of an unconsciousness victim, and the other two pretended to be conscious but injured.
All 12 people, including the nine who remained onboard the boats, were transported to the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park for triage before being taken to Dr. Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, police said.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force carried out the drill in partnership with the VI Fire and Rescue Service, the pier park, the BVI Health Services Authority, VI Search and Rescue, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Disaster Management, the 911 Call Centre, and other agencies.
“This planned exercise was conducted to test and enhance the emergency response capabilities of multiple agencies,” police stated. “We emphasise that this was only a drill and there is no cause for public concern.”
British Caribbean News
