ANGUILLA–There is still an ongoing search for an Anguillian fisherman missing since Saturday, June 29. Two others were found and brought ashore on Sunday evening. The Coast Guards of the US, the Dutch Caribbean and France are all involved in the search, as are many boats from Anguilla.
The three men went out fishing from Sandy Ground early on Saturday morning to the area of Dog Island. When they did not return when expected by 8:00pm an alarm was sent out by their families.
Searching began early on Sunday morning that involved the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Fire and Rescue team, Anguilla Air Services, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Funtime charter boat and a US plane from Puerto Rico.
Captain Carl Thomas of Anguilla Air Services made three trips out to try to find the boat. On the third trip the boat was located, the coordinates were given and Chris Cutler on Funtime went out at speed to rescue the two men who were clinging to the boat. The plane from Puerto Rico lowered a life raft which assisted in getting the men into the boat. They were brought ashore at 8:30pm and taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The fishermen reported that at 11:00am on Saturday the engines had failed on the boat and it had started taking in water. One of the members decided to swim to Dog Island in order to get help more effectively. This fisherman is still missing and the search continued on Monday, both at sea and on Dog Island, to try to locate him.
Governor Tim Foy has expressed sympathy for the family of the missing fisherman. He noted that all resources had been deployed and expressed many thanks to all who had assisted in the search on Sunday.
Commissioner of Police Paul Morrison said the search had resumed at first light on Monday morning and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard had committed to going out again on Tuesday, if necessary. He stressed that the sea was very treacherous and said he was glad that Anguilla had been able to obtain assistance from others in the region. There was a large crowd of family and friends at Sandy Ground all day on Sunday and the police were able to give them brief updates every two hours.
Minister of Infrastructure, Curtis Richardson expressed thanks to all who were involved. He said the turnout of support had been amazing and he was glad to be at Sandy Ground all day on Sunday with the family and friends waiting for news. He said it had brought to the forefront the need to have all boats registered and licensed and with licensed radios. Foy supported this, noting that life rafts and provisions should also be part of the equipment on board.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/88760-two-found-in-search-and-rescue-for-three-anguillian-fishermen
View comments
Hide comments