Heartfelt condolences have been sent to the family of Police Detective Paul France after he was identified as the person found in the submerged vehicle in Road Town, Tortola early on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins conveyed his condolences to Detective France’s family and expressed his gratitude to the members of the public who lent their support during the devastating incident.
“The RVIPF has suffered the loss of one of our own… France was a highly regarded member of our organization, and this tragedy profoundly saddens us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family,” Commissioner Collins stated.
Governor His Excellency John Rankin said he was likewise saddened to hear of the loss of Detective France who was a United Kingdom National with a cumulative service of almost forty years in police services in the UK and the BVI.
“The family have been informed and I offer sincere condolences to them and to all members of the RVIPF for the loss of a fellow officer,” Governor Rankin said.
Also sending condolences was Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands.
He said, “I extend condolences to the family and loved ones of Detective Paul France on his untimely passing today. I also extend sympathies to his colleagues here in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and in the UK, where he also served as a police officer.”
“The family and loved ones of Detective France can be assured of the full support of the Government of the Virgin Islands into the discovery of the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing. We pray that his soul rests in peace and solace for those who are affected by this loss,” Premier Wheatley added.
Was declared deceased at scene
It was early Saturday, October 7, that reports reached our newsroom of a submerged vehicle in the Road Town area.
Police later confirmed in a media release that officers responded to a report of a submerged vehicle in the Waterfront area, close to Queen Elizabeth II Park.
“Upon their arrival, they discovered a white Kia Soul fully submerged in the water. The public, showing remarkable solidarity, immediately assisted both the police and fire officers at the scene. After a period of effort, they noticed an unresponsive male inside the vehicle. The lone male occupant was later recovered from the vehicle and declared deceased,” the RVIPF stated.
The police are asking anyone with relevant information regarding this incident to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
Previously published story
A usual Saturday morning fishing routine for one resident quickly turned into a state of shock after he discovered a vehicle beneath the sea near his fishing spot in Road Town.
Reports indicate that the male first spotted pieces of the vehicle on land upon reaching his fishing spot, but to his surprise he later discovered what at the time appeared to be a white vehicle below the sea surface.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the Fire and Rescue Service were contacted and the two agencies quickly sprang into action to check the vehicle for bodies.
After a few minutes, officers were seen swimming to shore with what appeared to be a lifeless caucasian male.