Boaters Rescued Near Saba Island
In the early hours of Sunday, August 13, concern spread across Nevis as four local residents were reported missing at sea. Their boat, returning from the popular Anguilla Poker Run, encountered trouble on the open water.
According to the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, the vessel failed to arrive as scheduled. When news of the distress surfaced, the Sint Eustatius Coast Guard immediately launched a nighttime search. They located the overturned boat but found no sign of its passengers.
Throughout Monday, the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard joined forces with the Statia Coast Guard, scouring the surrounding waters. Despite extensive efforts, the missing individuals remained unaccounted for, leaving families and friends anxiously awaiting word.
Then, at dawn on Tuesday, chance and perseverance combined to change the story. A fishing boat headed out for its morning work noticed an unusual mass drifting off the coast of Saba. As the vessel drew closer, the crew realized it was the four missing Nevisians, alive and clinging together after what must have felt like an endless ordeal.
Drawing on their training and quick thinking, the fishing crew brought the survivors aboard and towed them safely back to Saba. Medical checks confirmed that all four were in good health despite their traumatic experience. The heroic fishing boat is owned by Nicholas Johnson, whose decisive action and seamanship turned potential tragedy into a miracle.
Kyle, one of the rescued men, expressed deep gratitude in a heartfelt moment on Saba’s shore. With his guitar in hand, he shared, “It’s truly overwhelming to feel the love and support from our community. I can’t describe the relief of standing on solid ground after what felt like an eternity adrift. It’s a true miracle, and we owe it all to the incredible efforts of Nicholas Johnson’s crew.” Beside him stood Sobo, another survivor, echoing the thankfulness to God and the rescuers.
Anguilla Poker Run: Celebration with Safety in Mind
The group had been returning from the Anguilla Poker Run, a unique Caribbean event blending a boat cruise, poker competition (#ad), and island party. Nearly 100 vessels typically join the annual festivities, navigating Anguilla’s west coast and stopping at five designated points. At each stop, crews enjoy food, drinks, and music while drawing a playing card. At the final destination, the best poker hand wins a share of the US $8,000 prize.
Importantly, organizers emphasize that victory depends on cards drawn—not on speed. To ensure safety, the event enforces strict speed limits, safe distances between vessels, and ongoing monitoring by Marine Units and Coast Guard boats. All participating vessels must register, and foreign boats must also clear Immigration, Customs, and AASPA.
The next Anguilla Poker Run, Poker Run 9, is scheduled for August 10, 2024. Registration is US $250 per boat, with inspections required to maintain the tradition of excitement without compromising safety.