Update | Missing fishermen rescued by JDF
Published:Saturday | July 6, 2024 | 12:59 PM
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says the fishermen who went missing at sea have been rescued.
Initial reports had indicated that 11 fishermen were missing but subsequent reports confirmed that number to be nine, the JDF stated.
The fishermen departed the Cow Bay area in St Andrew for Morant Cays in three canoe-type vessels on Saturday, June 29 2024 and were expected to return on Tuesday, 2 July.
When they failed to return and efforts to reach them proved futile, the JDF was contacted to begin search and rescue operations.
The JDF says the fishermen were found trapped on Morant Cays, after deteriorating sea conditions, due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl, made it difficult for them to sail.
The army says they were escorted to shore by servicemembers from the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard where they were reunited with their families.
The JDF is advising all seafarers that overdue vessels and vessels in distress can be reported to the Maritime Air and Operations Centre at (876) 926-8121 at extension 4004-6 or 876-836-1216.
Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.