Cayman’s aviation community has lost a pioneer with the sudden passing of Caymanian pilot Capt. Harrison Bothwell on Saturday at age 77.
Tributes have poured in for the former Cayman Airways pilot, since news of his passing spread throughout the community.
Cayman Airways and the Ministry of Tourism and Ports, in a joint statement Monday night, lauded Bothwell’s contributions to the development of aviation, saying that “for almost five decades he was a revered CAL pilot who was respected and loved by all who had the pleasure of working with him as part of the Cayman Airways family”.
Minister Kenneth Bryan said in the statement, “Captain Harrison Bothwell was a seasoned aviator; a revered mentor, a trusted leader and a cherished friend. As we mourn this loss of a true aviation pioneer, let us also celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.”
Decades-long career
Bothwell’s flying career began at Cayman Airways on 15 March 1972 when he was hired by Norman Bodden, and he immediately began his training to become a pilot, the statement said.
Though there have been many milestones in Bothwell’s career, one heroic act stands out for those who may recall.
Back in June 1973, then only 25 years old, Bothwell made a safe landing after his Cayman Brac flight lost an engine.
He recounted to the Compass at the time how he “saved the day” after taking off from Owen Roberts International Airport.
The plane had only reached 200 feet altitude when “there was a terrible noise and vibration in the number one (left) engine”, but he was able to turn the plane around and land safely at Owen Roberts, saying after that “we found out, she’ll fly on one engine”.
Bryan, through the joint statement, shared his deepest condolences on Bothwell’s passing, who he described as “a stalwart aviator and a true icon of Cayman Airways”.
He said Bothwell’s distinguished career with Cayman Airways spanned almost five decades, and was marked by “unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise and an enduring passion for aviation”.
“Since his inaugural flight in 1972, Capt. Bothwell embodied a spirit of excellence, soaring through the skies with grace and precision. Though he bid farewell to the cockpit in 2012, his legacy continued with CA Express, extending his remarkable career and contributions to both Cayman Airways and the Cayman Islands at large,” he said.
Across his flying career, Bothwell flew almost all aircraft types in the Cayman Airways fleet, the statement said, including the DC-8, DC-9, BAC 1-11, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, and the Boeing 737-300 jets.
Bothwell retired from flying in 2012 with his last flight as captain taking place on 9 Sept. 2012.
Following his retirement from flying, he continued to work with Cayman Airways, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Cayman Airways Express.
On 31 Dec. 2020, after almost five decades of dedicated service to Cayman’s national airline, and to the Cayman Islands, Bothwell entered full retirement.
Cayman Airways president and CEO Fabian Whorms, in sharing condolences on behalf of the national flag carrier, said, “To Captain Bothwell’s family – we share in your loss because he was also a special part of our Cayman Airways family, and he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.”
Bryan added, “May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him”.
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