British visitor Roger Pratt, 62 from Warwickshire, UK died after a vicious attack on his boat recently.
It is reported in the press that he was “defending his wife Margaret Pratt”, a former Isle of Wight health boss. She was Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust of St Mary’s Hospital in 2008.
St Lucian tourism minister Lorne Theophilus said, “It is with much regret that I and other industry partners have learnt of the unfortunate incident which has resulted in the loss of life of a visitor to our shores.
Officials in St. Lucia say that at least two people have been detained. A St Lucian police spokesman said Mr Pratt died trying to defend his wife from the attackers, but that there was no evidence he that he was shot.
“Nobody has been arrested yet but there are some guys in custody,” he said. “The investigators are very busy looking at what happened.”
Pratt was killed on board the couple’s yacht in the town of Vieux Fort but his wife, Margaret, 60,was treated for injuries. The couple was on a world-wide trip during which Mrs Pratt wrote a blog and kept prolific notes, updating her friends on social media.
The couple had sailed to St Lucia from the UK and were getting ready to continue their world trip when the attack occurred. According to reports, the day before Mrs Pratt blogged, “On Thursday morning the plan was to clear out from Soufriere, then to travel south and use up the 72 hours before we had to be away.
Their boat was moored off the Vieux Fort coast where they had been staying while celebrating Mrs Pratt’s 60th birthday.
The couple lived in the village of Moreton Morrell before embarking on their adventure.
“At this time we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of British national Roger Pratt. To his wife, who also sustained injuries as a result of the attack off the Vieux Fort coast, we extend our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with her for a speedy recovery.
“This is an active investigation and law enforcement is leading the charge in an attempt to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice speedily. Law enforcement officials have briefed me and other senior tourism officials on aspects of the case although I am not at liberty to share some of those details with you at this time.”
