The Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) has paid tribute to longtime employee Otis Francis, who died in a workplace accident at the Woodbridge Bay Port on Friday, July 17.
According to police, Francis, 47, of Tarish Pit, sustained fatal injuries shortly after midnight while cargo was being unloaded from a vessel berthed at the port. Preliminary investigations indicate that a shipping container reportedly fell onto him during the operation. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, DASPA said Francis had served as a stevedore for the past eight years and was remembered for his dedication, commitment and strong work ethic. The authority said he earned the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and all those with whom he interacted during his employment. Extending heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends and fellow employees, DASPA said his contributions to the operations of the port and the wider maritime community would be remembered with gratitude and prayed that he would rest in eternal peace.
Read the full DASPA statement below:
Statement on the Passing of Mr. Otis Francis
It is with deep sorrow that we, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority acknowledge and inform of the passing of Mr. Otis Francis on the morning of July 17, 2026.
Mr. Francis was from the community of Tarish Pit and was employed as a Stevedore man at DASPA for the past eight (8) years.
Throughout his service, Mr. Francis demonstrated dedication, commitment and a strong work ethic that earned him the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and those with whom he worked and interacted in the course of his employment. His contributions to
the operations of the port and the wider maritime community will be remembered with gratitude.
We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Otis Francis on his passing. We also express our sympathies to his relatives, friends, and fellow employees.
While no words can truly ease the pain of such a sudden and great loss, we hope the Francis family will find strength in the love and support of those around them and comfort in the cherished memories of his life and legacy.
We join the family and the wider community in mourning the loss of Mr. Otis Francis and pray that Almighty God grants all of us peace, comfort, and courage in the days ahead.
May Mr. Francis rest in eternal peace.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff
Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority
