Retired Justice Mario Michel will chair the Commission of Inquiry, which is due to submit its report by March 8, 2027. The other members are maritime consultant Cuthbert Didier, retired Superintendent of Police Kentry Frederick and Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke De Freitas.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Acting Governor General Felix Finisterre appointed the commission on September 4 on Cabinet’s advice. Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony took place at the Governor General’s official residence at Morne Fortune.

The commission is tasked with conducting a full, fair and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision involving the two Castries-registered vessels.

Speaking at the ceremony, Michel acknowledged the responsibility facing the commissioners.

“I don't think we'll underestimate the severity of the responsibility, and the significance of it,” he said.

Michel pledged that the commissioners would work to the best of their collective abilities to fulfil the confidence placed in them. He also said the inquiry would seek to produce recommendations that could help prevent similar tragedies.

Beyond examining the collision, the commission will review legislation governing maritime accidents, including relevant provisions of the Civil Code, Shipping Act, Police Act, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Act, Customs (Control and Management) Act and Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.

It will also examine procedures and protocols for maritime activity, safety and investigations, and make recommendations to inform the drafting of a modern Maritime Act.

The inquiry’s operating period runs from September 8, 2026, to March 8, 2027, with sittings scheduled for the Parliament Chamber on Laborie Street in Castries.

Proceedings are to be held in public, although the commission may exclude persons where necessary to preserve order, ensure the proper conduct of proceedings or for other stated reasons.

Attorney Shahida Charlemagne-Octave will serve as legal counsel, while retired public servant Lenita Joseph will serve as secretary.

Members of the public may make written or oral submissions. Anyone wishing to submit information or appear before the commission can contact Joseph at the Parliament Building, call (758) 285-6273 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..