(CMR) The Cayman Islands Border Control Service (CBC) has confirmed that eight of the ten people on a boat destroyed at sea near Cayman Brac on Saturday are safe.
Two migrants who were rescued Saturday believed they were the only survivors; however, search efforts by the authorities proved otherwise.
The RCIPS Air Support Unit and Cayman Islands Coast Guard officers were in Cayman Brac for several hours on Saturday, supporting CBC and CIFS with the search and rescue operation. The search and rescue operation was called off last night due to a lack of light and was expected to resume Sunday at 5 a.m.
CBC reported that at approximately 1:15 p.m., three (3) male migrants were rescued by a private vessel at sea off Cayman Brac, with one (1) of the (3) three migrants being located nearer to Point of Sand in Little Cayman.
The three (3) migrants were all assessed by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officers and taken to Faith Hospital for medical treatment.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Helicopter crew spotted two (2) additional male migrants at sea approximately nine (9) miles north of Cayman Brac. The two (2) migrants were rescued by the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS), CBC, and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) officers on board the Fire Rescue vessel and were transported to shore, where they were assessed by EMS officers. They now receiving medical treatment at the Faith Hospital.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., another male migrant was spotted walking in Stake Bay Cayman Brac. Bringing the total number of survivors to eight (8).
Director of CBC Charles Clifford noted, “In addition to our multi-agency response to this incident, many members of the Cayman Brac public also engaged in the search and rescue effort, and we are eternally grateful for their help.”
Mr. Clifford said, “We will no doubt have an opportunity in the future to highlight and properly recognize their invaluable assistance.”
Special thanks was extended to Evol Miller and Leanna Jackson for conducting a jet ski rescue of three individuals.
The RCIPS stated, “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous members of the public who have selflessly volunteered their boats to aid in this rescue operation. Your efforts have truly made a difference, and we appreciate your unwavering support.”
Persons who may have any information that could assist in locating the remaining individuals are asked to call 9-1-1 or reach out to the relevant authorities as soon as possible.
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