By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT

tsmith-cartwright@tribunemedia.net

THREE people are dead after a tragic boating accident took place on Sunday evening in waters near Harbour Island.

Two boats carrying people who had just attended a birthday party on nearby Man Island, collided, leading to the deaths of Leanna Cartwright, Candice McDonald and Jay Roberts. Police said after 9pm, the captain of a 28-ft Bertram, which is used as a ferry, said he was travelling to Man Island when he heard and felt a loud bang. 

“He assumed that his vessel had hit a rock, but later realised that it collided with a 17ft Boston Whaler,” police said. 

The passengers on the Boston Whaler were ejected from the boat into the water. Police said eight people were on board the Boston Whaler while three people were on the Bertram, the latter of which were all accounted for. A rescue team found seven people who were on board the Boston Whaler—two women who were later pronounced dead, two women who were airlifted to Nassau, and a male and two females who were treated and discharged. 

Rickey Mackey, member of Parliament for the area, spoke to The Tribune shortly after the third body was found yesterday morning. Mr Mackey was with the search party.

“There was a birthday party on neighbouring Man Cay just to the north of Harbour Island last evening (Sunday),” he said. “When the event was over and persons were coming back to Harbour Island and the mainland, one of the local water taxis apparently ran into a privately operated vessel that had persons onboard that vessel.

“Thus far, two bodies were recovered last night (Sunday). Two ladies from the mainland of Eleuthera -– one from Gregory Town area and one from Lower Bogue. We discovered the third body, who we knew was missing, at about 8.30 this morning.

“There were several injuries where two young ladies were flown out last night (Sunday) with extensive injuries. Their condition right now, I am not fully aware of, however at this time we have three fatalities. Two females and one male.”

He spoke to The Tribune from Spanish Wells, where one body had to be taken for storage due to a lack of space. 

He said: “I am currently in Spanish Wells where we brought the third body because our morgue in Harbour Island … we only have two freezers. So we had to bring the third body to Spanish Wells so it could be put in the morgue there.”

Asked if there are any people still missing he said, “Well at this time we feel that all persons are accounted for. There were three deaths, but several injuries with two that required people being flown into Nassau last night. They were flown out at about 12 o’clock (Sunday) night. We did the search for the person that we knew was still missing early this morning and we discovered his lifeless body at the bottom of the water.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash said police are trying to figure out what happened leading up to the incident. He also had some advice to boaters. 

“Currently we have a team of detectives on the island trying to establish exactly what happened during the transportation of those passengers between Man Cay and Harbour Island,” ACP Cash said. “What we want to say, particularly to boaters travelling at night, please abide by maritime codes that beacon lights should be on their vessels.

“They should pay close attention to lights that are afloat in the harbours because all harbours have lights in their proximity. Of course, the Defence Force has a role to play in dealing with the maritime issues of The Bahamas, but you will see police vessels when necessary out there also.”

Senator Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, said one of the deceased victims was the girlfriend of a member of the party’s youth arm. 

“I want all of our supporters to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Candice McDonald and the others who died in that tragic boating accident on Sunday night off Man Island near Harbour Island,” he said in a statement. “Candice is the late girlfriend of T’Sean Mott who is now the treasurer of Progressive Young Liberals.

“I have spoken to Ms McDonald’s parents and to T’Sean. They are understandably distraught and distressed. They need our prayerful support. I assured them that the leader, Mrs Davis, the deputy, and Mrs Cooper and our entire leadership team are praying for them. Please remember them and all the other families in your prayers.”

Yesterday, Mr Mott said he has lost his best friend who was destined for greatness.

“Last night I lost more than a girlfriend, I lost my best friend,” Mr Mott said in a tribute posted on Facebook. “We had just spoken and then this. I lost my other half. I lost my world. We were inseparable. My love for you was no secret Candice. I have no words to say, but thank you. You were everything I wanted in a woman. You kept me on my toes. You enhanced every aspect of my life.

“I thought I had everything figured out until you came into my life and enlightened me. The world was robbed yesterday of untapped potential. You were destined for greatness. We’ve spent hours discussing the future, the various business ventures, the places we wanted to see; we talked about everything. You were the ideal model for young women to follow. You embodied what it meant to be a virtuous woman.”

Mr Mott described Candice McDonald as God’s gift to him. The couple were together for the past two years.

“I remember seeing you for the first time in the mall,” he recalled in tribute to Ms McDonald. “I didn’t have to guess my feelings for you. You were my main inspiration. I worked extra hard because I knew eventually I wanted to make you my wife.

“However, God had other plans. I’m still lost for words. I planned out my entire life with you in it. Now, all I have left are memories. You may not be here physically, but I know you’re still with me. I will continue to push and fight because I know you would want me to continue. Thank you, Candice. Thank you for everything. I love you so much baby girl. Rest in peace.”