Montserrat’s multi-agency response capabilities will be put to the test next week with a simulated major maritime emergency.
The drill will look at the island’s search and rescue services, national plan and coordination during complex off-shore incidents, a press release from the Disaster Management Coordination Agency said.
It is all part of the Montserrat Counter Pollution Training Workshop which will focus on strengthening Montserrat’s ability to handle both search and rescue operations and pollution response.
One of the objectives of the workshop is to exercise the alert and response activation procedures for a major maritime incident, ensuring a coherent and effective multi-agency response.
It also aims to test officers in their roles, specifically in responding to maritime pollution incidents, and to familiarise key government officials with the processes, procedures, and stakeholders involved.
The workshop will take place from 15 to 17 October at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.
It is being put on by the DMCA and Montserrat Maritime Administration in collaboration with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the UK Health Security Agency.
The agencies taking part are: Montserrat Port Authority, Royal Montserrat Police Service, Royal Montserrat Defence Force, Disaster Management Coordination Agency, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and the Environment, Ministry of Communication Works and Labour, Montserrat Access Division, John A Osborne Airport, Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service, the Governor’s Office, Office of the Deputy Governor, Montserrat Red Cross, Scuba Montserrat, the Montserrat Tourist Board among others.
Fisherman John Lee, 49, went missing after he set out alone from Montserrat on a white 30 foot fishing vessel named the MV Optimum at about 6.30am on 28 August.
Search and rescue attempts were unsuccessful and neither he nor his boat were found.
