Nearly two weeks after three Antigua and Barbuda fishermen disappeared at sea, the Coast Guard has suspended its active search, saying investigators have no new information to guide further rescue efforts.
Rowel Martin, Gregory Questelles and Cleofoster Jarvis left Point Wharf aboard the Lady Madesha on July 16 and were expected to return on July 18.
Acting Coast Guard Commanding Officer Captain Vaughn Simon said the families were informed of the decision earlier this week, explaining that the search would resume if credible new information emerges. He added that police continue to investigate the case.
Search-and-rescue efforts began on July 20 and involved regional partners, including the St. Kitts Coast Guard, the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue team and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Martinique.
Meanwhile, Sandra Martin, sister of Rowel Martin, said a bucket containing her brother’s cellphone and food was found on a beach in English Harbour and handed over to police. She believes the discovery should prompt investigators to focus on that area.
Simon confirmed the bucket is being examined as part of the investigation. Martin also expressed frustration over the lack of information about where the men had planned to fish but thanked the Coast Guard for its efforts, saying officers “did their best” throughout the search.
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