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The St Helena Government (SHG) would like to provide an update following the incident involving the local vessel the Newcastle, which sank in James Bay on 24 April 2026.
Following the incident, a Marine Safety Investigation was undertaken to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and subsequent sinking of Newcastle, and to identify any lessons or actions that could help reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in the future.
The purpose of a Marine Safety Investigation is to identify safety issues and lessons that may help prevent future incidents and improve maritime safety. It is not undertaken for the purpose of determining criminal responsibility, apportioning blame or establishing liability.
This update relates solely to the Marine Safety Investigation. SHG is unable to comment on the status or outcome of any separate investigation undertaken by the Royal St Helena Police Service.
The Marine Safety Investigation was concluded at the end of May 2026. SHG acknowledges the delay in providing this further public update following the conclusion of the investigation and thanks the public for their patience.
The investigation considered the circumstances leading up to the incident, the condition and operation of the vessels, the response following the sinking, and other relevant information available.
A number of safety recommendations were identified as a result of the investigation and are being considered through the appropriate operational, policy and governance processes. The recommendations are intended to strengthen safety arrangements and support continued improvements in the operation and oversight of domestic vessels.
The findings and lessons identified through the investigation will also be considered as part of the Maritime Authority’s wider work to improve maritime safety and the development of appropriate safety standards for domestic vessels operating around St Helena.
The full report can be found here https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/10/Marine-Safety-Investigation-Report-MA06-2026.pdf.
#StHelena #MaritimeSafety #PortControl
St Helena Government is holding a drop-in session on Thursday 05 November 2026 for businesses, professionals and non-profit organisations that may be affected by the proposed new anti-money laundering laws.
The session will take place at the Castle, Jamestown, from 10:00 to 16:00. You do not need to book. You can call in at any time to find out if the proposals apply to you, ask questions and give us your views.
The session is aimed at:
- real estate agents
- lawyers and accountants who carry out transactions for clients
- trust and company service providers
- high value dealers
- non-profit organisations, such as charities, churches and community groups, whose main purpose is raising or giving out funds for charitable, religious, cultural, educational or social purposes.
The public consultation was launched on 01 October 2026. It covers the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2026 and three sets of supporting rules. Together, they are intended to replace the Money Laundering Ordinance, 2008.
Under the proposals, businesses and organisations covered by the new laws would need to register with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority. They would have six months to do this after the laws come into force, which is expected by the end of March 2027.
The requirements will depend on the size of the business or organisation and the level of risk. Many community groups whose main purpose is not fundraising may not be covered at all.
The consultation documents are available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-consultation/.
They include an Explanatory Note that sets out how the new framework is expected to work in practice.
The consultation closes at 16:00 on Friday 27 November 2026. You can send your response by email to damian.burns@sainthelena.gov.sh or by post to Economic Development Portfolio, The Castle, Jamestown, St Helena, STHL 1ZZ.
If you are unable to attend on 05 November, you can email damian.burns@sainthelena.gov.sh to arrange another time to discuss the proposals.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
The consultation covers four draft instruments: the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2026; the Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations; the Non-Profit Organisation Regulations; and the Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Directive. The consultation press release was issued on 01 October 2026.
#StHelena #HaveYourSay #consultation
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The St Helena Sea Rescue recently marked a major milestone in maritime safety with the official blessing and naming ceremony of its newest rescue vessel, Apex. The acquisition of the vessel was made possible through UK Government funding from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The ceremony was hosted by Sea Rescue Manager, Leeroy Caswell and attended by key dignitaries, including Her Excellency Governor Belinda Lewis, Bishop Dale Bowers, the Chief Minister, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members, and invited guests.
The event featured a special welcome to Graeme Harding, Head of Fleet and Facilities at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), who travelled to the island to conduct training with the local rescue team and oversee the official handover of the new craft.
Following remarks by Acting Portfolio Director Derek Henry and Governor Lewis, Bishop Dale delivered a formal blessing over Apex. Governor Lewis then performed the traditional christening by breaking champagne over the vessel and officially declaring its name.
Following the naming ceremony, Governor Lewis and her children joined the Sea Rescue team for an inaugural trial run aboard Apex.
The addition of Apex enhances St Helena Sea Rescue’s operational capabilities, ensuring the volunteer and professional crew remain well-equipped to respond to emergency calls around the island’s waters.
MCA Overseas Strategic Programme Manager, Elise Carlo, commented:
“The MCA is delighted to have supported St Helena in bringing APEX into service, made possible through our Overseas Support Programme funding from the FCDO’s Resilient Economies Programme. This new, purpose-built vessel represents an important investment in St Helena’s search and rescue capability, providing Sea Rescue with a modern and capable platform to respond to incidents and help keep people safe at sea. We are proud to see APEX officially named and launched and look forward to the important role she will play in supporting the safety and resilience of the island community.”
Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks, added:
“Having this new vessel is a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community, strengthening our ability to respond to emergencies at sea and protect those who depend on these vital services. Sincere gratitude and thanks are extended to all who worked to get a new vessel for our service, and to the MCA, who has so generously financed this vessel for us. My appreciation goes to the Sea Rescue crew for their dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea. Together, you are strengthening the ability to protect lives and serve our community.”
Photos
Sea Rescue Manager, Leeroy Caswell, welcomed dignitaries and guests
Trainer, Graeme Harding (centre)
Acting Portfolio Director for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Derek Henry, and HE Governor Belinda Lewis delivered remarks
Bishop Dale Bowers delivered a blessing over ‘Apex’
Governor Lewis ‘christening’ the new boat
The Apex officially launched
#StHelena #SeaRescue #MCA
Further to the previous announcement regarding the temporary road closure between Bates Branch and the Junction at Stitches Ridge, St Paul’s, the public is advised that the closure has been extended to 06 November 2026.
The extension is required to allow the Roads and Forestry Sections additional time to safely complete essential surface maintenance and tree-felling works along the route.
The closure will remain in effect from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday, with no weekend closures. Traffic travelling to and from Sandy Bay should continue to use the diversion route via Stitches Ridge Road and Lemon Tree Gut.
Full access will be maintained for emergency vehicles at all times, with appropriate safety measures in place to allow work crews sufficient time to clear the roadway when required. Appropriate traffic management signs will remain in place to assist motorists.
We apologise for the continued inconvenience this may cause and thank residents, motorists and the wider public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while these important maintenance works are completed.
At their meeting on 22 September 2026, Executive Council approved the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 2026. The new Regulations set out the rules for registering ships under the St Helena flag and are an important step in the development of the St Helena Ship Registry.
What Do The Regulations Do?
The Regulations govern how ships are registered in St Helena. They set out who may own a registered ship, how ownership and mortgages are recorded, the certificates a ship must hold, and the powers of the Registrar of Ships. The Regulations are closely modelled on the equivalent United Kingdom regulations, so eligible vessel owners and their advisers will be familiar with the compliance requirements.
Why does St Helena Have A Ship Registry?
St Helena has operated a Ship Registry for many years as part of the Red Ensign Group – the family of British registries which includes the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and the Overseas Territories. Ships on the St Helena Register fly the Red Ensign.
In June of this year, Executive Council approved the continuation and development of the Ship Registry. The benefits to St Helena are:
1. Income. The Ship Registry generates a net benefit for the St Helena Government. A cost-benefit analysis considered a range of operating scenarios over the next 10 years. It indicates that the Registry is expected to deliver a net benefit to the Island after all costs have been met.
2. Wider economic value. St Helena’s registered fishing vessels operate in the South Atlantic under licence. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has confirmed that these vessels make an important contribution to the South Georgia fisheries.
3. Standing. Operating a registry that meets international standards supports St Helena’s reputation as a well-regulated jurisdiction and sits alongside the wider work to develop financial services and the company registry.
4. Skills and jobs. As the Registry grows, so does the need for local expertise in maritime administration, survey and inspection work.
Safety And Standards
Operating a Ship Registry carries significant responsibilities. As a Flag State, St Helena is responsible for the safety of ships that fly its flag and the welfare of the people who work on them. The development project now underway reflects that responsibility. St Helena is strengthening its Maritime Authority to ensure proper oversight of ships on its Register.
What Happens Next
The Regulations are the first major milestone in a 12-month development project agreed with the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The project is overseen by a joint Project Board with the Agency, and the remaining work includes:
- Appointing a qualified surveyor so that St Helena can conduct and oversee inspections and surveys and issue certificates;
- Putting agreements in place with recognised organisations to carry out survey work on the Registry’s behalf;
- Ensuring there are further regulations to apply international conventions covering protecting the marine environment and conditions of work in the fishing industry; and
- Strengthening the staffing, systems and procedures of the Maritime Authority.
Local Boats Are Not Affected
The Regulations apply to the International Ship Register only. They do not change current arrangements for local boat owners. There is no intention to bring local vessels onto the Ship Register unless their owners wish to do so. Local vessels will continue to be dealt with under separate arrangements.
Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks, said:
“Approving these Regulations is a significant step for St Helena. The Registry brings real income to the island and supports an important South Atlantic fishery, but it also carries a duty of care to every person working on a ship that flies our flag. This programme is about meeting that duty properly. I thank everyone whose work has brought us to this point, and I look forward to reporting further progress over the coming year.”
#StHelena #ShipRegistry #Maritime
Eligible members of the public are advised that a series of flu vaccination community clinics will be held across the island over the coming weeks.
Community Clinic Schedule
| Week 1 | ||
| Tuesday 10 November | 09:30 – 11:00 | Kingshurst Community Centre |
| Wednesday 11 November | 09:30 – 11:00 | Longwood (Harford Community Centre) |
| Thursday 12 November | 09:30 – 11:00 | Half Tree Hollow (Community Care Complex) |
| Week 2 | ||
| Monday 16 November | 10:00 – 11:30 | Levelwood Clinic |
| Monday 16 November | 12:30 – 13:30 | Sandy Bay Community Centre |
| Tuesday 17 November | 10:00 – 11:30 | Guinea Grass Community Centre |
| Wednesday 18 November | 10:00 – 11:30 | Blue Hill Community Centre |
| Thursday 19 November | 10:00 – 12:00 | Jamestown (Castle Courtyard Meeting Room) |
| Week 3 | ||
| Tuesday 24 November | 10:00 – 12:00 | Kingshurst Community Centre |
| Wednesday 25 November | 10:00 – 12:00 | Longwood (Harford Community Centre) |
| Thursday 26 November | 09:30 – 11:00 | Half Tree Hollow (Community Care Complex) |
| Friday 27 November | 10:00 – 12:00 | Jamestown Community Centre |
Residents are encouraged to attend the clinic most convenient to them.
Alternative Options
The flu vaccination will also be available on request at the routine health clinics and hospital pharmacy throughout the month of November according to the following schedule:
- Jamestown Clinic: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 14:00 – 16:00
- Half Tree Hollow Clinic: Tuesday and Thursday – 14:00 – 16:00
- Longwood Clinic: Wednesday – 11:00 – 13:00
- Levelwood Clinic: Thursday – 11:00 – 12:30
- Hospital Pharmacy: Wednesday – 12:00 – 15:00
For individuals who are housebound and unable to attend any of the above sessions, arrangements can be made for a home visit by a nurse. Please contact the Health Promotion team on 25949 to register your request.
Who can receive the flu vaccine
The flu vaccination programme will target people at highest risk, but over half of the population of St Helena will be eligible for the free vaccine. Eligible groups include:
- All people aged 65 years or more
- All children aged 2 to 16 years
- All adults and children over 6 months with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease
- Pregnant women
- People in long-stay residential facilities
To offer further protection to those at-risk, the vaccine is also offered to carers of elderly or disabled people, household contacts of people with weakened immune systems, and all frontline health and social care workers.
For more information, please click the link to our Influenza Vaccination FAQ sheet.
The public are advised that strong winds continue to affect parts of the island, particularly higher and exposed areas.
The winds were stronger than expected yesterday, but weather forecasts now indicate that conditions should gradually improve during the morning. While there is still some uncertainty, the strongest winds are expected to ease by around 12:00 today.
Until conditions improve, please take care when walking or hiking, especially in exposed locations. Residents are advised to secure any loose items that could be blown away, such as wheelie bins, garden furniture, and outdoor equipment.
Boat owners should ensure vessels are securely tied to their moorings. Drivers are also urged to take extra care on exposed roads, watch out for strong crosswinds, and remain alert for any debris that may have been blown onto the road.
The Emergency Planning Department and Met Office will continue to monitor conditions and provide further updates if needed.
In October 2026, advisers from the Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) visited St Helena to strengthen literacy standards, assessment systems, and teaching leadership across primary and secondary schools. Their findings and recommendations are detailed in the report below.
Key Strengths and Progress
KS1 School
The most significant area of improvement is phonics. Teaching is now delivered with considerably greater commitment and confidence through the Read Write Inc. programme, supported by targeted one-to-one tutoring and improved assessment practices. Phonics Screening Check results have improved substantially, rising from 20% prior to the previous advisory visit to 68% in 2026, with current Year 1 progress indicating further improvement is likely.
Staff have also shown strong engagement with professional development in reading and writing. New assessment approaches have been introduced to strengthen understanding of reading progression, alongside practical strategies to support pupils across profiles identified within the Simple View of Reading.
KS2 School
School leaders have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting struggling readers through the introduction of the Read Write Inc. Fresh Start intervention programme. Assessment and implementation planning arecomplete, and training has been delivered to staff to ensure a successful rollout.
Leadership has also shown strong dedication to enhancing overall reading provision, refreshing book stock and reviewing the wider English curriculum. Staff engaged positively with professional development focused on the effective deployment of teaching assistants and strategies to foster pupil independence.
Secondary School
The secondary school has recognised reading as a priority area and has begun preparations to implement Fresh Start for identified KS3 students. Initial staff training has established a foundation for intervention delivery and improved understanding of phonics-based reading support.
Priority Areas for Development
The next phase of improvement should focus on:
- Embedding effective support for pupils with additional educational needs through strengthened attention, communication and phonological awareness provision.
- Expanding access to high-quality decodable reading books and enriching library and reading environments.
- Developing a consistent whole-school reading culture, including reading for pleasure initiatives, reading spines (carefully curated, core lists of high-quality books, picture books, poetry, and non-fiction texts that every child is guaranteed to experience during their time at school) and stronger home-school engagement.
- Strengthening the connection between phonics, reading and writing to ensure pupils apply taught skills successfully in independent work.
- Implementing Fresh Start across KS2 and KS3, supported by robust monitoring and quality assurance.
- Continuing to build leadership capacity in English to secure sustainable improvement across all phases.
The visit confirmed that substantial progress has been made since previous advisory support, particularly in initial phonics provision and leadership. There is growing consistency in teaching practice, improved use of assessment, and a clear commitment from leaders to raising standards in reading and writing. The successful implementation of Fresh Start, the development of stronger reading cultures and continued investment in literacy leadership now represent the key opportunities to secure the next stage of improvement and achieve sustained gains in pupil outcomes across the St Helena Education Portfolio.
The St Helena Government (SHG) is launching a public consultation on a proposed Welfare of Adults Ordinance, the first St Helena law designed specifically to underpin the assessment and safeguarding of adults on the island.
The consultation will run for six weeks, from 27 October to 8 December 2026. Over that time, we will highlight key aspects of the proposals. Everyone is invited to respond, including families caring for loved ones, adults who need or may need care and support, voluntary and community groups, health and social care professionals, and anyone with a view on how St Helena should protect and support its most vulnerable people.
Why is a new law needed?
Children have been protected by the Welfare of Children Ordinance since 2008, but adults have no equivalent St Helena law. Adult social care relies on a 1990 UK Act, since replaced in the UK by the Care Act 2014, which was never designed for a small, remote island and sets standards St Helena cannot realistically meet. Local policies provide guidance but carry no legal force. As a result, there is no legal duty to assess adults in need, no legal rights for carers, no statutory Safeguarding Adults Board and no statutory right to independent advocacy.
Need is also growing. SHG’s Ageing Demographic Situational Analysis (November 2025) shows that St Helena has the second highest old-age dependency ratio in the world, after Japan, and that deaths (50–60 a year) far exceed births (under 20). Informal family support is declining, and around 90 residential care beds could be needed by 2036, double the current capacity of the Community Care Centre.
What is being proposed?
The recommended approach is a Welfare of Adults Ordinance adapted from the Falkland Islands’ Assessment and Safeguarding of Adults Ordinance 2020, a law already in force in a British Overseas Territory of comparable size and remoteness. It would include:
- a duty on Government to promote adult wellbeing;
- a duty to assess adults who appear to need care and support, and carers who need support, with written care plans reviewed at least annually;
- a legal duty to make enquiries where abuse or neglect is suspected;
- a statutory Safeguarding Adults Board, and Safeguarding Adults Reviews where things go seriously wrong;
- a right to independent advocacy for adults who find it hard to take part in decisions about their care; and
- written decisions with reasons, a right to request reconsideration, a right of appeal to the Supreme Court, and an accessible complaints procedure.
The law would not promise unlimited services. Eligibility for Government-funded care would be set out in regulations, taking account of the island’s resources and the support available from family and community. It would not take responsibility away from families but recognise and support the role they already play. No final decisions have been made, and this is a genuine opportunity to shape the law before it is drafted.
How to share your views
The consultation paper is available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-consultation/. Hard copies of the paper and response form are available at the Public Library and the Post Office. Please email Minister for HSC, Martin Henry, with your feedback as we want to hear about your experience and views.
The consultation closes at 16:00 on Tuesday 8 December 2026. All responses received will be considered, and a summary will be published afterwards.
#StHelena #WelfareofAdults #Consultation
The St Helena Resilience Forum Cyber Security Sub Group advises any local individuals, businesses and organisations who have a website running outdated versions of PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), to update their websites immediately. A security patch is required to address a critical vulnerability discovered on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
If a third-party provider manages your website, contact them immediately to apply this patch.
If this security update is not applied, malicious individuals could gain full control of the web server where a website is hosted, allowing them to steal or copy any information stored there, or take a website offline in its entirety.
For more detailed, technical, information refer to the below article published by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
Critical security issue affecting PHP | National Cyber Security Centre
Note: PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely used server-side scripting language designed for web development. It runs on a web server to generate dynamic page content, interact with databases, and handle backend application logic before delivering the final HTML output to a user’s browser. PHP is also used in a range of other products. Only those using outdated versions of PHP in their websites may be affected.