Published 7 June 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis Source
Search continues for two St. Kitts fishermen lost at sea
Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 7, 2018 – Items belonging to one of two fishermen missing at sea have been found as the search continues for Kittitian men.
According to a police statement Thursday, a joint security search and rescue operation is currently being conducted in partnership with the relevant government departments for the two men believed to be lost at sea.
Police identified the men as Vernon Pemberton of New Road and Hayden Langley of Buckley’s.
Pemberton was last seen by members of his family on Sunday, June 3 sometime after midday. He had indicated that he was going out to sea to fish with Langley.
Both were 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 police statement said.
It disclosed that the Fisheries Department also handed over items identified as those belonging to Pemberton that were found at sea by another fisherman.
The fisherman who handed over the items was not identified and it was not immediately known if he was part of a search party. A description of the items, how and where they were found were also not disclosed.
“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. 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 and it has
asked vessels passing through the identified areas to look out for debris, a submerged vessel or persons in distress.
Police investigations into the matter will continue.
“Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of these two men should contact the Criminal Investigation Department at the Basseterre Police Station by dialing 465-2241 or their nearest Police Station.
