The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard is actively engaged in a search and rescue operation following an incident involving a vessel heading toward Dominica late Tuesday night. The operation aims to locate Captain Phillippe “Daniel” Jules, who went overboard from the ship during the incident.
Antigua.news reported that French authorities had initially launched a search for Jules, who is a French national.
A subsequent article referenced an official statement released by the ABDF on Wednesday afternoon which said Captain Jules, the master of the vessel SV VOILACTUS, fell into the water around 11 PM on October 21, 2025. The Coast Guard reports that the incident occurred in open waters approximately six nautical miles northeast of Guadeloupe. It also stated that Jules was reportedly maneuvering to avoid being hit by the boat’s mast when the captain was swept overboard.
The news outlet further clarified that the remaining ten crew members aboard the vessel have been confirmed safe and are currently in Guadeloupe. Efforts to coordinate a rescue operation are ongoing, involving multiple agencies such as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Fort-de-France, the Commandement de la Gendarmerie, and other regional and local authorities.
The ABDF expressed concern over the timing of the incident’s reporting, noting, “The ABDF Coast Guard regrets receiving official notice of the incident only during the early daylight hours of the following morning, resulting in a delayed response and reduced likelihood of a swift recovery,” the organization stated.
“Despite this, extensive efforts continue as we work tirelessly to transform this unfortunate event into a successful rescue,” the release added.
According to the Antigua News article, the organization also took this occasion to underscore the importance of maritime safety. “The ABDF Coast Guard also takes this opportunity to urge all mariners to maintain proper safety protocols while in port, at anchor, or underway, including the consistent use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems.”
An Antigua Observer write-up outlined that ABDF Officer Lieutenant Randolph Best said all available resources are being utilized in pursuit of a favorable outcome and that their thoughts and prayers remain with Jules’ family and friends during this difficult time.
“Lieutenant Best also used the opportunity to urge all mariners to maintain proper safety protocols while in port, at anchor, or under weigh, including the consistent use of personal flotation devices and man-overboard alert systems,” reported the Observer.
Updates on the situation will be provided as new information becomes available.
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