The discovery was reportedly made the day after the ship docked in Barbados for participation in ‘Exercise Tradewinds’ with other Coast Guard units from within the Caribbean that make up the seven-nation Regional Security System (RSS) grouping, as well as units from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Three members of the GDF Coast Guard, a Lance Corporal and two ordinary ratings (ORs), are under ‘close arrest’, assisting with the probe.

The Lance Corporal, who was not part of the GDF contingent to have participated in the exercise in Barbados, was spotted by some crew members as he tried to sneak aboard the vessel, by way of the sea.

The Lance Corporal, who was then AWOL (absent without leave) rank), reportedly flew to the Caribbean Island, where he booked into a hotel by the sea and awaited the ship’s arrival.

According to sources, after his apprehension he fingered two of the crew members and a Rastafarian resident of Kitty, as his accomplices.

The civilian is said to have paid the Lance Corporal’s fare to Barbados and booked him into the hotel.

A contingent of seven officers and 33 ratings under the command of Lieutenant Commander Floyd Levi representing the GDF had sailed with the vessel to Barbados to be part of the regional exercise.

They were recalled from the exercise after the officer-in-charge notified the Defence Board of the unfortunate incident.