A fishing vessel, which was
reported missing Friday morning, was located by the RCIPS Air Operations Unit
approximately 60 miles south west of Grand Cayman and towed back to the Island early Saturday.
At 10.35am Friday, the Joint Marine Unit received a report that the
fishing vessel King Bal One had run out of fuel while returning to Grand Cayman from Table Top Bank. The
vessel also appeared to have lost battery power, police said.
The
police helicopter was deployed and began searching for the
vessel, which was last known to be 34 miles southwest of Grand Cayman.
About 1.30 pm Friday, the crew of
the police helicopter spotted the King Bal One approximately 60 miles south west
of Grand Cayman. The Joint Marine Unit vessel , Cayman Guardian, towed the stalled craft back into harbour during the overnight hours.
All crew members about the King Bal One were safe and well, police said.
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Of course it is a happy ending – but why were these fishermen withiout sufficient fuel, and batteries (perhaps not charged because of loss of engines running?).
They should be charged with the cost to the community of search and rescue, made to re-sit all licences involved and the vessel not allowed to go to sea again without full inspection and recertification.
Old Hand,
I’m sure they would have had to of paid for the cost of the rescue. Can’t see this government giving away anything for free.