The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard would like to inform the public about the successful rescue of six individuals following a capsizing incident on the evening of February 25, 2026.

Incident Overview

• At approximately 10:02 PM, the ABDF Coast Guard received a Marine Report from Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) indicating that Cata Sensation, a vessel participating in the RORC Caribbean 600 race, had capsized about 16 nautical miles west of St. John’s Harbour with six people onboard.
• In response, the ABDF Coast Guard promptly deployed its quick response team and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) to all vessels in the area requesting assistance.

Rescue Efforts

• By 10:27 PM, further reports confirmed that all individuals had been safely rescued from the water by a fellow race participant, the sailing yacht Solano. The rescued individuals only sustained minor abrasions, with no serious injuries or casualties reported. It is believed that the vessel capsized due to sudden gusts of wind reaching up to 40 knots, which caused a loss of stability.

Ongoing Oversight

• Following the rescue, the ABDF Coast Guard continued to monitor Solano as it completed its race and provided a safe escort into Falmouth Harbour. Currently, Cata Sensation remains capsized and partially submerged, drifting southwesterly. The ABDF Coast Guard is actively tracking the vessel’s position and advises all mariners to exercise extreme caution while navigating in the vicinity.

Commitment to Safety

The ABDF Coast Guard commends the solidarity demonstrated by Solano and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring maritime safety and protecting all individuals within the sovereign waters of Antigua and Barbuda.