NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force will convene a formal Board of Inquiry to investigate the grounding of a vessel while on patrol off Ragged Island on Friday.
According to a statement, the HMBS Cascarilla sustained no material damage and remains in operational readiness.
However, two crew members were airlifted to New Providence by the United States Coast Guard to receive medical attention; and a medical team was flown in aboard a Defence Force aircraft to assess and monitor the condition of the remaining crew members.
In a later statement, the RBDF confirmed that five crew members were airlifted to the capital in total.
The injuries sustained by crew members were reportedly non-life threatening with only one crew member admitted to hospital.
The RBDF said the hospitalized marine is expected to make a full recovery, and remains in stable condition.
Four other crew members were discharged.
“Initial investigations are ongoing and a formal Board of Inquiry will be convened to determine the circumstances involved,” the RBDF statement read.
It added: “The Force continues to participate in training opportunities and execute drills that allow for effective responses that preserves life and safety of its people during its diverse and varied operations. We are grateful to the public for its expressions of gratitude and concern.”
