Search for missing Brac boaters now ‘inactive’

The search for two missing boaters who left Cayman Brac on 20 Oct. is now “inactive”, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard has said.

With regard to the meaning of “inactive,” Coast Guard Sub-Lieutenant Ericka N. Rockett-McBean said, “At this time, we cannot confirm if the men are alive or deceased. Until there is further information about them, the search is now inactive.”

Rockett-McBean said that if further information about the location of boat or its occupants in received, the search could be reactivated.

A statement issued by Coast Guard said the search and rescue operation for Corey Nikito Brown, 38, and Amilcar Rosales Smith, 41, was called off at 3pm on 24 Oct.

The two boaters were reported missing in the afternoon of 21 Oct., having last been seen the previous afternoon leaving Brac Reef Resort after 6pm for Swordfish Bank in a Blue 24-28ft fishing boat with a single 100 HP engine.

Since receiving the report, active search operations were conducted over 495 square nautical miles, including extensive aerial searches by RCIPS Air Operations Unit, surface searches by CICG Patrol Vessel Guardian and additional aerial support from the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing.

The search was co-ordinated with US Coast Guard Miami RCC for drift probability analysis, and support was given by Department of Environment officers in Cayman Brac.

In making the decision to transition to this new phase, the CIGC said that several factors were taken into consideration, including the deteriorating sea and weather conditions, the lack of sightings in spite of the large area search, and the fact it had been 96 hours since their last known position. It added that thoughts remain with their families and friends during this difficult time.

While the active search has been called off, CICG said the case remained open for any new information and that any verified sightings will be given an immediate response. Maritime partners have also been alerted. 

Anyone with information regarding the missing vessel or individuals is urged to contact CICG Operations and Rescue Command on 649-6722 or RCIPS Cayman Brac Station on 649-0331.