UPDATE: “Give Thanks” Missing at Sea: Coast Guard Issues Call for Information

OVERDUE FISHING VESSEL “GIVE THANKS”

The Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) continues its joint efforts with local and regional partners to locate and rescue fishermen aboard Fishing Vessel (FV) “GIVE THANKS,” which was expected in port on Sunday evening, 1st December 2024.

Information reaching the ABDF Coast Guard at approximately 8:20 PM on Sunday indicated that the 23-foot vessel, with two persons onboard, went fishing four nautical miles (NM) north/northwest of Barbuda and had not returned.

Sea conditions at the time were notably unfavorable, prompting an immediate escalation of the SAR (Search and Rescue) system to its Distress Phase.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

A PAN-PAN message (Marine Broadcast used in times of urgency) began its cyclical airing over VHF Channel 16 to alert Mariners operating within the general search area to high-alert.

The Coast Guard has since coordinated SAR efforts, engaging the ABDF Air Wing, Regional Security System (RSS), Barbuda Fisheries, Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Fort-de-France Martinique, St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, the Montserrat Marine Police Unit, and maritime authorities in St. Martin.

From first light yesterday morning, Monday 2nd December, to the present, four deployments and over 12 hours of search operations have transitioned into a larger and more combined effort to ensure the safe return of these citizens.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

Anyone who can provide information to assist in the successful rescue of FV GIVE THANKS is asked to contact:

• Operations Officer, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Randolph Best: +1 (268) 729-5802
• Coast Guard Hotline: +1 (268) 462-3206 / 462-2841 (2)(3)

The ABDF takes this time to urge all Mariners to adhere to local and international regulations for the safe operation of sea-going vessels.

The general public is assured that all efforts will be exhausted, sparing no resource to ensure the return of these Mariners to safety and their families.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]