Two months after being rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard, Saint Lucians Anthony Emmanuel and Sophia Raphael are finally returning home.
A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs on Friday confirmed that the pair would be reunited with their families on Saturday.
Emmanuel and Raphael were found adrift on January 16, 2025, in the northern region of the San Andrés Archipelago, ending a harrowing seven-week ordeal at sea. They had set out for home from Martinique on November 30, 2024, after shopping in the neighbouring French island. However, their journey took a terrifying turn when they went adrift in the Caribbean Sea aboard their 22-foot pirogue.
Following their rescue, Emmanuel and Raphael remained on San Andrés Island, Colombia, while Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs and Colombian authorities worked together to arrange their repatriation.
In a statement, the ministry expressed deep gratitude to the Government and People of Colombia, particularly the Colombian Coast Guard and Pastor Alberto Gordon of the Raizal Council, for their efforts in rescuing, sheltering, and supporting the Saint Lucians.
“This act of solidarity underscores the significance of international cooperation and diplomacy and serves to further strengthen the existing ties between Saint Lucia and the Republic of Colombia,” it said.
In a video interview provided to St Lucia Times by the Colombian Navy after the rescue, Emmanuel explained that their boat’s engine had failed, and every effort to restart it was unsuccessful. He then hoisted the sail, but strong winds broke the mast.
He recounted their unsuccessful attempts to return to Martinique and how they survived by eating food on board, including saltfish, rice, and yogurt, and drinking rainwater that fell in the boat.
…..I don’t know man…..,is it really that cheaper over there to risk it all at sea
A “shopping” spree ìn Martinique that turned into quite an adventure. At least they were able to survive on some of the groceries! The ferry is available as a safer alternative, it also ensures that goods taken into the country are processed correctly and the relevant duties paid.