SECURITY AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS PARTNER TO FIND MEN BELIEVED TO BE LOST AT SEA

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 07, 2018 (RSCNPF): A joint security search and rescue operation is currently being conducted in partnership with the relevant government departments for two men believed to be lost at sea.

Vernon Pemberton of New Road was last seen by members of his family on Sunday, June 03 sometime after midday. According to the report made to the Police, he had indicated that he was going out to sea to fish with Hayden Langley of Buckleys. Neither have been seen since. He was reported missing to the Police Tuesday morning.

Enquiries by the investigators have revealed that Pemberton’s co-workers notified the Fisheries Department that he did not show up for work after leaving for a fishing excursion on the weekend. Both the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the Fisheries Department notified the St. Kitts-Nevis Coast Guard of the situation. The Fisheries Department also handed over items identified as those of Vernon Pemberton that were found at sea by another fisherman.

The Coast Guard launched a search operation for the two missing men. On Tuesday, the organisation conducted a day-long search exercise that included three search operations: one south of Nevis; and two near Redonda down to the St. Eustatius channel. The Coast Guard has also asked for assistance from within the region. As a result of that request, two fly-over searches were done by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Martinique. The neighbouring Dutch islands have also planned fly-over exercises for this week. Notification of the situation was sent to the Department of Maritime Affairs as well. That entity has asked vessels passing through the identified areas to look out for debris, a submerged vessel of persons in distress. If anything is found in relation to the case, they have been asked to report it immediately.

Police investigations into the matter will continue. If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of these two men, they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at the Basseterre Police Station by dialing 465-2241 or their nearest Police Station.

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