RSLPF boosts maritime patrols as St Lucia marine police recover stolen boat parts
CASTRIES, St Lucia — The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Marine Unit has confirmed that St Lucia marine police recovered stolen boat parts during a series of targeted operations this month, prompting multiple investigations into maritime theft and smuggling across the island.
According to a police news release, the Marine Unit, working in collaboration with the Marine Investigation and Intelligence Unit (MIIU), discovered several components connected to a French-owned pirogue that was reported stolen in Martinique.
French authorities alerted local law enforcement around 11:45 a.m. on October 8 about the stolen vessel. Within two days, Saint Lucian officers executed search warrants in Monkey Town, Ciceron, leading to the recovery of multiple boat parts concealed inside an abandoned house.
Recovered items included two grey fenders, one orange bailer, a black boathook, two boat masts, one black and one grey, a Yamaha throttle controller, and a black Mercury outboard engine.
In another operation on October 17, St Lucia marine police responded to reports of a suspicious vessel docked at Marigot Bay, believed to be of French origin. Upon arrival, officers located a fiberglass pirogue with no registration markings or visible name. The vessel was towed to the Marine Unit base for further examination, and investigators are working to verify its ownership.
A separate operation on October 19 involved collaboration between the PMU and MIIU after reports of suspected illegal goods being landed at the Castries Fisheries Complex. Officers intercepted a vessel matching the description provided and detained one individual for questioning. The case was referred to the Customs Department for continued investigation.
The recent operations come as authorities continue to tackle illegal maritime activity across St Lucia. Earlier this year, police intercepted a 1,000-pound illegal conch haul off the island’s coast, a major seizure that highlighted ongoing challenges with poaching and unregulated marine trade (read full story).
Police said the Marine Unit continues to intensify maritime patrols in response to theft, smuggling, and other unlawful marine activity. Boat owners are urged to comply with registration, safety, and maritime security regulations to avoid penalties.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious maritime activity directly to the Police Marine Unit by calling 456-3870.
For continuing updates on maritime security and law enforcement operations, visit Unitedpac St Lucia News.
