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(CNS): At 3pm Friday, more than 96 hours since the last known position of missing fishermen Corey Nikito Brown and Amilcar Rosales Smith, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard stopped the active search and rescue operation. Since the men were reported missing on 21 October, the RCIPS helicopter has been searching by air, and the CICG Patrol Vessel Guardian has been searching by sea, aided by the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing and Department of Environment officers stationed on Cayman Brac. The search covered a 92 nautical mile perimeter using drift probability analysis. In making the difficult decision to stop active searching, the CICG considered the time elapsed since the men set off from the dock by the Brac Reef Resort, heading for Swordfish Bank in a blue 24-28ft fishing boat with a single 100 HP engine. Sea conditions and deteriorating weather around the Sister Islands interrupted search operations on the second day, and a comprehensive search of calculated probability areas yielded no sightings. “Maximum reasonable search effort has been expended given prevailing conditions,” the coastguard explained, “Our thoughts remain with their families and friends during this difficult time.” The coastguard will remain alert to any new information, officials added, and will respond to any verified sightings as all maritime operators and regional partners have been alerted. Anyone with information regarding the missing boat or men is urged to contact CICG Operations and Rescue Command at 345-649-6722 or the RCIPS Cayman Brac Station at 345-649-0331.
