Over a year has passed since the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of businesswoman Kristal Black and a 6-year-old girl, and the victims’ families are still seeking answers. This week, a man identifying himself as the father of Black’s young son called into Tola Radio to express his frustration and demand answers from Commissioner of Police Mark Collins surrounding an apparent lack of progress in the police investigation.
The caller criticized the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for their failure to communicate with Black’s family and the apparent lack of advancement in the case. He lamented that the family has yet to receive an accident report, more than a year after the incident.
The man expressed growing frustration over the situation and the feeling that no action is being taken to address what many perceive as obvious wrongdoings related to the case.
In response to the caller’s concerns, Police Commissioner Mark Collins provided a limited update on the case, reiterating that the matter remains under investigation.
The fatal accident occurred near Little Thatch Island on Sunday, October 2nd, 2022. A 30-foot-plus powerboat, carrying ten people, capsized around 7 p.m. while crossing between Jost Van Dyke and West End. Seven survivors were taken to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where a 6-year-old girl was pronounced dead on arrival. Black was reported missing shortly after the incident and was confirmed dead when her body was recovered days later.