The search for missing Compass Media journalist Andrel Harris was suspended because of weather conditions early Tuesday afternoon, 10 June.
A statement issued by the Cayman Islands Coast Guard about 1:10pm said, “After six days of tireless effort, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend the search and recovery operation for Andrel Harris, as worsening weather conditions make it unsafe to continue at this time.”
It continued, “What began as a search and rescue mission evolved into a recovery operation, with teams covering vast areas by sea and air. Across the operation, crews logged over 60 hours, recovering key items to help move the investigation forward.”
The coast guard said it would assess conditions on Wednesday to determine whether the search would continue.
The search for Harris, 34, began on Wednesday, 4 June, after he was reported missing.
He was last seen Tuesday, 3 June, around 9:30pm walking along Pedro Castle Road toward Pedro St. James, and a missing person advisory was issued the following day.
An extensive multi-agency land and sea search, aided by members of the public, ensued, with scores of searchers checking along the ironshore and coastline at Pedro St. James, and private and Coast Guard boats, along with an underwater drone, searching the water. The police helicopter and aerial drones were also activated.
An article of clothing found in the water on Thursday was confirmed to have contained an item belonging to Harris. A mobile phone – possibly belonging to him – was also recovered from the water in the area and investigated by police.
After four days of searches, the police said on Sunday, 8 June, that, based on the evidence collected, the circumstances surrounding Harris’ disappearance and the length of time that had passed, the operation had transitioned from search and rescue to search and recovery.
The Coast Guard said in its statement that it was not an easy decision to suspend the search efforts. “Our thoughts remain with Andrel’s family and loved ones, and we thank the community for the unwavering support throughout these efforts,” it said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service issued a press release to dispel some of the rumours and speculation that have been appearing on social media channels.
“The RCIPS appreciates the emotional impact this matter is having on the family and the wider community, and request that persons be considerate, and refrain from innuendo and rumour, particularly with online activity,” the press statement said.
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