Fisherfolk in St Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia have raised concerns about their safety following recent United States kinetic strikes on two vessels in regional waters that left at least six people dead.

The United States Southern Command reported that on February 13 and February 16 it acted on intelligence indicating that the vessels were travelling along known narcotics trafficking routes in the Caribbean.

The vessels were engaged on separate occasions, resulting in six fatalities. Three of those killed in the February 16 strike were confirmed to be men. The nationalities of those killed have not been disclosed.

However, speculation has emerged in Saint Lucia that at least two of the men killed may have been local fishermen who have since been reported missing. One of the missing men has been identified as Ricky Joseph.

Joseph, 38, was described as a veteran fisherman and father of four. His brother, Titus Joseph, told MBC Television he was devastated by reports surrounding his sibling’s death.

“I feel sad. I feel down. Because that is my little brother. I don’t feel that is the right thing that the Americans did. They just can’t come and take like in St Lucia waters,” he said.

Reports from Saint Lucia indicate that the vessel carrying the missing fishermen was struck northeast of St Vincent. Fishermen later reportedly discovered wreckage believed to be from one of the targeted vessels in the southern Grenadines.

Video footage circulating on social media on February 13, reportedly captured about five miles off the coast of Bequia, showed a flash of light followed by an explosion.

Since September 2025, more than 100 people have reportedly been killed in lethal kinetic strikes in the Caribbean Sea. Among them were two men believed to be Trinidad and Tobago nationals — Rishi Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph— whose families have filed lawsuits against the United States Government.

Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting on February 16, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre declined to provide detailed comment on the reported strikes.

“I can confirm that people lost their lives but I have got no official notification,” he said.

When asked whether investigations were underway, Pierre said the matter was being handled by “the powers responsible for investigations.”

In a subsequent social media post following the Cabinet meeting, Pierre said the government was actively seeking to verify reports.

“Today, I addressed reports circulating across the region that have raised concern among our citizens. Let me assure the nation: the Government of Saint Lucia is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to verify the facts. We will communicate confirmed information to the public promptly and responsibly. In matters affecting national security and regional stability, speculation has no place. Our approach is disciplined, fact-based, and guided by the singular priority of protecting the people and interests of Saint Lucia,” he said.

The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has not issued a public statement on the matter.