The owner of one of the boats involved in the deadly Anse Cochon collision says the tragedy continues to weigh heavily on him, rejecting any suggestion that he has been unaffected by what happened.
Irenus Pascal, owner of Cazorla Jr, used Wednesday’s public hearing of the Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 collision to address what he said was the impression created by his earlier appearance before the commission.
He said he was unhappy with the way his previous testimony had come across and wanted the panel and the wider public to understand the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on him.
“I just want this panel and the wider public to know that the last time I was called for questioning, I was not happy at all with the way it appeared or was made to look that I am not sad about what happened on July 18th,” Pascal said.
Four people died in the collision between Cazorla Jr and Ocean Angel, off Anse Cochon .
Pascal told the inquiry that he knew those who lost their lives and continued to encounter their relatives.
“Four people died. I knew those persons and also know their family and I feel even more hurt every time I see those family members,” he said.
He said the incident had continued to affect him since the night of the collision.
“From the time of the incident to this day, I have had sleepless nights,” Pascal said.
He explained that after being served a summons late the previous night, ahead of Wednesday’s hearing, he was unable to return to sleep and decided to write down what he wanted to say.
“We all wish that this unfortunate accident never happened,” he told the commission.
His statement came as the inquiry continued to hear accounts of the collision and its aftermath.
During the public hearings so far, survivors have also described the panic and confusion after the boats collided, as well as the injuries they sustained and memories that have stayed with them.
For Pascal, Wednesday’s statement was an opportunity to make clear that he too continues to feel the impact of the tragedy.
“Again, I continue to feel very bad and wish that we didn’t need to be here trying to find out exactly what happened on that dreadful day,” he said.
