Update: 12:05pm: Police have confirmed that an item of clothing belonging to missing Compass Media journalist Andrel Harris has been recovered.
The RCIPS, in a statement issued shortly before midday, said the clothing, which had been spotted in the water during searches on Thursday, had been recovered and examined by police. An item belonging to Harris was found within, police said.
Police said his family has been notified of this development, and the assigned family liaison officer continues to support the family.
Search operations, involving police and other services, as well as members of the public, are continuing.
Original story: The search for Compass Media journalist Andrel Harris, who was reported missing on Wednesday, has intensified, with efforts to locate him concentrating on the Pedro St. James area.
Harris, 34, was last seen in the vicinity of Pedro Castle Road, Bodden Town, at approximately 9:30pm, on Tuesday, 3 June.
After he failed to attend work on Wednesday, police were contacted and an investigation into his disappearance began.
Ground, aerial and coastal searches conducted in the Pedro St. James area began on Wednesday and were continuing Friday morning, with a multi-agency effort that included police and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, along with members of the public and other agencies.
Hazard Management Cayman Islands partially activated the Emergency Operations Centre, which included coordinating efforts of some of its emergency support teams. These included community emergency response teams, first aid services by the Red Cross, a call centre for volunteer coordination, and CayMind/Mental Health support.
The Cayman Islands Baptist Church, located on Pedro Castle Road, was made available and utilised as a command centre. Several teams, including emergency workers and members of the public, conducted grid and lined searches – which included door-to-door checks. Additional information was also garnered from CCTV footage.
Harris was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and black pants. He is approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall, of slim build, with a dark brown complexion, and has long, neatly kept dreadlocks.
When he was last seen on Pedro Castle Road walking south toward Pedro St. James, he appeared to be holding a brown paper bag with a bottle in his hand, police said.
The Coast Guard conducted search operations on the ocean and used data from the Cayman Islands National Weather Service to refine key areas. This included the use of underwater equipment which aided visual searches.
During the search an item of clothing was seen, but as of this time, it could not be concluded that it was associated with Harris.
The RCIPS Air Operations Unit helicopter and drone operators – both private and associated with the Cayman Islands government – coordinated with the RCIPS drone team to enhance the search capability in wide-scale areas.
Concurrent to these combined efforts, several lines of enquiry were followed throughout the day and, based on information gathered, a further coordinated search is being conducted today, 6 June, with volunteer search teams gathering in the morning.
To ensure effective coordination and safety, a briefing was arranged for 8:30am Friday at the Cayman Islands Baptist Church on Pedro Castle Road for members of the public volunteering to help with the search efforts.
Police request that anyone who has seen Harris since Tuesday afternoon, or knows of his whereabouts, to call 911, or the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220.
Compass Media statement:
“Andrel is a cherished member of our Compass team, and we are praying for his safe return.
“We have been working closely with the RCIPS as the search continues. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Andrel and his loved ones during this difficult time.
“We encourage anyone in the public who may have information to please contact the police using the details below.
“We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of the RCIPS, Andrel’s family, friends and the wider community. We will continue to support the search in every way we can, while respecting the privacy of his family and assisting the authorities.”
Related Videos
Praying this young man will be found safe and well.