As I approach the 20th anniversary next month of my father’s disappearance while diving in Grand Cayman, the day is still so vivid for me. As I sat on the beach reading and watching the commotion of Coast Guard, police, air searchers, and other helpful citizens, I had no idea it was my father they were searching for. My father spent his winters on Seven Mile Beach and would have turned 73 the day after he was lost. My family has been going there since the very early ‘60s.
After reading the article this morning of the lovely gift given to the Coast Guard, for their help trying to find family members who ultimately were lost to sea, I wanted to make sure not only Coast Guard but all the other heroes that were ‘rounded up’ and volunteered to search, were mentioned as well.
There should be a special day set aside to recognise the searchers and rescuers. After my father died and before I left the island, I did write a heartfelt thank you that was put in the Compass. Ivan rolled in several months after his passing, so at least he didn’t have to endure that devastation.
God bless Astor Range’s family and others who love the sea and never left it.
Lia Benedek Kaufman
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