boating

For twelve years, Denicia Vernet dreamed of the day she would finally see her little brother again.

Living in Texas since she was a teenager, she had watched Ryan Vernet grow up through phone calls, photos and WhatsApp video chats. Now 26, she was making plans to bring him to Dallas to meet his nephews for the first time and embrace the sister he had not seen in more than a decade.

That reunion never came.

Instead, Ryan disappeared at sea.

“My little brother was truly something extraordinary,” Denicia said. “Growing up we didn’t have much, but we had each other.”

After the death of their father in a fatal workplace accident, Denicia said she took on the role of helping raise her younger siblings, Ryan and Vera, alongside their mother.

“I taught them to treat others how they would want to be treated, to always be kind, to work hard, to forgive, to love and respect, and to never give up,” she said. “Most of all, I always wanted them to know I was proud of them.”

Those lessons, she believes, shaped the man Ryan became.

She remembers him as a hardworking young man whose smile could brighten any room.

“He became a beacon of light for anyone he ever came in contact with,” she said. “He was always respectful and fiercely protective of his family. He stood up for what was right, worked hard, loved deeply and was always willing to help others.”

Ryan loved basketball, cherished spending time with family and had earned the respect of those around him through determination.

The last conversation between brother and sister was filled with hope.

“We were talking about me sending him money so he could get his passport sorted out,” Denicia recalled. “He was finally going to come to Texas to meet his nephews in person instead of through WhatsApp—and to see me.”

It would have been the first time the siblings had seen each other face-to-face in twelve years.

Then, everything changed.

On May 4, Denicia’s birthday, her sister called with devastating news that Ryan had gone missing after reportedly entering the water while aboard a vessel in the Exuma Cays.

“My world began to crumble,” she said.

Months later, Denicia says the family’s grief has been made even more painful by unanswered questions surrounding what happened that day.

She said relatives are still searching for clarity about Ryan’s disappearance and long for information that can bring them peace.

“All my family wants is the truth,” she said. “And hopefully to lay him to rest next to our father.”

For Denicia, the memories she holds onto are of a young man whose family still waits for the answers that may finally allow them to bring him home.

Allison Dyck, one of the latest boating accident victims in the Bahamas is described by family and friends as “a beacon of hope and inspiration”.

Dyke 38, visiting from Washington, was snorkeling with her spouse on Pink Sands Beach in Harbor Island on June 22. She was struck by a boat and died in the hospital from the injuries.

Friends say the woman who had a career with the US Department of State and had recently purchased a new home, had a “warm spirit and kind heart.”

“Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and friends.”

Henry Gendt, her friend and business partner organized a fundraiser, “Helping Allison’s Dream Live On,” to assist the legal efforts and to further Dyck’s dream of starting a philanthropy.

Gendt’s goal was to raise $15,000 but it was stalled pending family consultation.

“Allison was well-loved by all she knew and was a brilliant woman who will be fondly remembered for her warmth, beauty, loving nature, loyalty, humour, creativity, athleticism and culinary skills,” the family said.

She was a marathon runner and a traveler.

If you saw or may have footage of the incident, you are asked to contact the police at 502-9991. The family’s local advisor can be contacted at 554-3983.

Condolences, memories, and information about the incident could be emailed to infoallisonbahamas@gmail.com.

A South Florida boater was found alive after being reported missing for several days. However, officials suspect human smuggling activity.

Fifty-four-year-old Juan Gonzalez was on his way from Bimini, Bahamas in a 22-foot vessel with a stepson who is not a US citizen, and was expected to arrive at Homestead Bayfront Park in Miami on Sunday.

When he did not show up, a missing person’s report was filed.

Someone spotted a disabled boat about 10 miles off Jupiter Inlet. He was rescued after reporting that he had run out of fuel.

Lt Karolina Vega said, “Human smuggling ventures, whether paid for or made by a friend or family member are subject to criminal and civil penalties.”

Mariners should file a float plan, tell someone where they are going and when they are returning, and be in possession of a VHF radio.

Gonzalez is being investigated further.

Eight people were reported injured in Exuma on Saturday after a vessel hit a reef.

Police said 22 people were onboard when the accident occurred in the area of Buck Cay, Exuma.

Here’s what we know

• Shortly after 8:00 p.m, officers at the George Town Police Station received information of a boating accident that occurred.
• Police met a cruise craft partially submerged in waters.
• The vessel had a three member crew and 19 passengers aboard when it collided with a reef.
• Eight people were injured and everyone on board were helped to the mainland by other boaters–5 men and 3 women.
• The injured are being treated for non-life threatening injuries at the area clinic.

One man was killed and two marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were injured in a boating accident in Andros on Monday night. One of the officers is in a comatose state.

What we know

• The officers were in a private boat.
• The 16 feet vessel hit a reef of Moxey Town, Andros around 8 pm.
• The three men were ejected from the vessel, all men sustained injuries
• The vessel was badly damaged, and two Marines were rescued by local fishermen, who transported them to the clinic in Mangrove Cay for medical treatment.
• The other man who is a resident of Andros succumbed to his injuries.
• The marines were airlifted to New Providence for treatment. One of them is alert but the other marine is unconscious.

What we don’t know

• The identity of the men are not known

Police said they were notified of the incident after 12 midnight. They are investigating the matter further.