Five missing at sea
(CNS): Update Monday 6:15pm. Police have now confirmed that a boat found east of the Sandbar Canal was the 26 foot canoe that went missing yesterday. Police received a report on Sunday night that the boat had left to go fishing in the morning with five people on board and had not returned. Emergency services have now called off today’s search but will resume at first light tomorrow. CNS understands that a fuel tank and other possessions from those on board as well as the boat were found during the search mission. The vessel had left from Newlands Dock at approximately 7:00am, yesterday morning, with two men aged 36, a man aged 28, a 19-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl.
The 911 Emergency Communications Centre received the missing persons report at approximately 10:15pm last night and the RCIPS Marine Unit along with Rescue One were deployed and immediately carried out searches around the island throughout the night. The police continued the search throughout the day while friends and family of the people on board waited anxiosuly for news of thier loved ones. The last call made from the vessel was at 9:40am yesterday off Rum Point.
Category: Headline News
It never fails. Every single topic on CNS these days all of a sudden turns into heated posts about whether God exists or not, and/or, why expats do not belong here etc. Can’t we just be civil, just ONCE, and have a mature and educated discussion about a topic without touching on these topics un-necessarily? If people are well wishing and offering prays to God for the safe return of these people, let them be! There is no need to start with the ignorant and disrespectful comments. Be mindfull that not everyone has the same beliefs.
AMEN to Anonymous’ reply at 11:27!
Just to informat those that wanted to know about what radar system the DEA had in 1995 that is at the airport …..:-)
Caribbean Basin Radar Network (CBRN)
Intelligence and interdiction measures are among the most costly of countermeasures, and they involve considerable technology, which Caribbean countries lack. This partly explains the sustained and significant U.S. role. Once during the 1980s there were ground-based air radar systems in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI); Guant(namo Bay, Cuba; and Borinquen, Puerto Rico; and five sea-based aerostat radars in the Bahamas, some with both sea and air detection features. An aerostat radar itself is an airborne surveillance system that consists of unmanned, tethered, helium-filled balloons thatcarry radar. Each aerostat cost about $10 million to install and near $4 million to operate annually during the 1980s.Radars were also used at Lovers Leap in Jamaican from August 1991 to December 1994 as part of the Caribbean Basin Radar Network (CBRN)
Also of importance is CBNR, mentioned earlier. At its operational peak, it drew signals from 17 radar sites in 10 countries. However, CBRN has been plagued with problems. Each site covers only 180 miles, and sites are often non-functional because of bad weather or poor maintenance. CBRN is being replaced with a system that is more sophisticated. In June 1995 the Cayman Islands site was closed following earlier site closures in Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.
The system that will replace CBRN is ROTHRCRelocatable Over-the-Horizon RadarCoriginally designed to track Soviet bombers, and can scan many times further than conventional radar. A prototype ROTHR was established in Virginia in April 1993, and a second system in Texas underwent final testing during September 1995. Puerto Rico is to be the site of the third ROTHR. The Pentagon explained that the first two sites can scan 2,000 miles on a clear day, and 1,600 miles on a day with atmospheric disturbances. Thus, they can sweep most of the Caribbean, Central America, and northern Colombia and Venezuela.
FYI 🙂
I’m disgusted to see some people are actually giving a thumbs down to the posts here that are expressing prayer, pain and hope for the lives that are missing. Tell me, what is it you find in these words that calls for a thumb down? Or are you some clueless person that has nothing else to do with your time? Yes, this website gives you the right to show your disapproval of people’s comments but how can you make the families that are suffering right now see that you are so heartless? Go give your damn thumbs down to another story.
Anon 8:35:
I think it is probably the "God stuff" that people are putting the thumbs down to. I’m certain everyone is extremely sympathetic to the families during this terribly sad and worrying time.
Excuse me, you hard-hearted individual. The family are asking for prayers. The least you could do is have a little compassion, you arrogant fool.
And what is wrong with the "God stuff?" as you put it. Just because you don’t believe. Well, that’s just your opinion, and guess what, truth trumps opinion every time. Please get a life.
I understand that people are entitled to their opinions, but given that people are asking god and jesus for help ON HERE are you people saying that god and jesus have some quality father and son time on the internet? GET REAL!! Do something constructive and help look for them….
You are a sick person and obviously you need Jesus in your heart. Otherwise you wouldn’t say such STUPID inconsiderate things! If you have nothing good to say on here, why don’t you go and find something better to do with your time rather than add more pain and unhappiness to the lives of so many who are hurting right now! God have mercy and your sad soul!
It would be interesting to here if you would call out for God’s mercy on you if you happen to be in a life threatening situation. I am not a very religous person but was raised to believe in God and although I don’t go to church very often, I do respect those who passionately believe and worship God.
Perhaps you should do something constuctive and keep your mouth shut!
To: genetics
You seem to be a miserable person, but could you atleast ease up and try to have a little heart for the five HUMANBEINGS who are out there MISSING??.. Truly pathetic.
I have a surprise for you; yes, God the father and Jesus the son can be heard through hospital, prison, internet & house walls.
And
God & Jesus does have time on the internet AND so does SATAN-that is one of our problems
May the God & Jesus of the UNIVERSE bless you through this media.
Much love
I think the community is united on this story. It is (unhappily) looking like a terrible tragedy, and everyones thoughts are with the families..
I’m sure that the ‘thumbs down’ are being left because of those who insist on writing messages to Jesus on cayman news service.
Thanks for your "Thoughts", Ignatius Reilly or whoever the hell expat you are.
Just remind me that when I am in a bind to ask for your "Thoughts".
Pathetic fool. "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God, and you are just plain that, a fool.
i think the chances of survival for that group of poor souls would be greatly increased if less money had been spent on the hundreds of churches on this island and more spent on a decent search and rescue helicopter. In times of emergency, search and rescue teams tend to do better than prayers to god.
I must agree. It is terribly disheartening to read some of the negative comments being posted.
Please let us all continue to pray for these people and their safe return, I surely will.
Thanks CNS fr keeping us updated with this most tragic situation as our hearts collectively go out to the lost and their families.
CNS if possible it would be helpful if a bit more detail was added to this report. What condition was the boat found in? was it anchored, swamped with water, washed up on the reef, damaged in any way, turned over?
The items found were inside the boat or strewn across a large area of the sea? Were the boat and items found, inside or outside the channel? Was the boat known to carry life vests and if so were any found on board?
These are all important details that would help the public get a better grasp of what is going on.
If you read what the Caymanian Compass wrote, they said the boat was found overturned. I also spoke with someone who was out there helping with the search and the boat was found overturned and was barely even visable because the sea was so choppy yesterday.
Please check the Keys where the mangroves are. They might be in there. Just holding on until someone comes.
Someone told me that if the weather gets really bad you get pulled in to the mangroves. Boat Captains already have problems trying to get around this key. I think it is off to the East. It is a little off Newlands area possible heading to Rum Point.
I SHED MANY TEARS..
My prayers go out to the families and the authurites for there continuous search for these victims. It is a trajedy to us all and the pain is deep.May God have mercy for them. As i understand one of them is a firefighter. Who knows how many lives he and his friends has helped in their lives. they now need help. Let us pray ,let us help them & there families in any way possible. I shed many tears.
My prayers and thank you go out to each firefighter for there continuous help to the Islands. Remember when "HURRICANE IVAN" came and they remained here to help us through a tough time. Now they have a fallen brother,and many are also feeling the pain working in effort to find these people.
They Saved my Life at one time. I Am forever greatful.
The lyrics in the song posted at 19:35 could not have said it any better…Never Let Go. And while we are praying for the safe return of all of those lost at sea, my heart aches for my cousin, the mother of Josh Gilman, and the rest of her children during this difficult time. I ask the Lord to send us a miracle and bring these guys and the young lady back to their families. Please hear our prayers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jHrbXEcee8
I will keep these people in my prayers, that they will return home safely. This has to be a very difficult time for their families.
Let us all continue to pray for them all.
Please in the name of jesus please bring them home and
Alive please I beg of you just hoping they are safe
I’ve heard they’ve found the boat, but no one in it…CNS..do you have an update yet?
Prayers are with the families of these persons, may God intervene and may they be found safe and sound.
Suggestion: currents can be tracked they may have ended up in Cuba or Mexico, but we just gotta check.
Has anyone checked Little Cayman? or Cayman Brac?
May God bring those that are lost at sea home safely to their family. May he calm the waters for the search to continue until they are found safe. God we know you know the hearts of these family members and how they feel right now. Shelter them with your grace and mercy,bring there family members home. God bless those that are in this sad time of worry.
Yes, May God comfort the families and friends of these people and bring their loved ones home safe.
My prayers and thoughts are with you!
CNS: Any news about who the last call was made to and what was said? Our prayers to the families involved.
CNS anymore updates on these individuals?
Any names of the missing people?
has the helicopter been assisting in the search? It wan’t mentioned in reports.
Still praying for their safe return home to their families who are going through such a difficult time right now.
RESCUE ONE IS THE HELICOPTER.
ok – thanks. I understand there’s an update…
‘The’ helicopter is, and always has been, ‘Rescue 1’ and CNS HAVE mentioned it.
Tell me this government.. given all the money spent on ‘doppler radar’ recently and the fact that there is a fairly advanced radar system at the airport (has to be ok to comply with FAA), why can’t these systems be enhanced/upgraded to include sea level radar coverage for the three islands.? Yes, there would be radar ‘shadows’ but repeaters on the sister islands could overcome this, and yes there would be lots of ‘clutter’ and a 26ft canoe is a tiny target, but couldn’t this be used to assist searchers for these types of incidents or even to warn of drug canoes (‘fast movers’)coming in? The technology is available and used elsewhere, and given our proximity to the equator (further horizons) it may be very effective here.
It hasbeen suggested to Govt before, but by a dastardly expat only here to rape the islands, so no one would listen. Come detractors! shoot me down in flames. Come caymanians! with your ‘qualifications’ and internet access, prove me wrong with some online harvested knowledge (i am not an expert at all), or, imagine this, we could work TOGETHER to improve things…..
Didn’t know there was any radar at the airport.
The radar site at the airport is for Mexico Air Traffic Radar not Cayman .The Cayman controllers here have no radar. We only wish for dopple rader here.
Marine Radar systems and DF Direction finding systems are used all over the Caribbean but not here. I service and install such systems and train people in there use. also Most Caribbean Islands by law make vessels even small ones carry full EPIRB’S that send out a signal via Inmarsat to locate a craft and people. This also requires law and training. Not very expensive at all. radar systems can no pick an object the size of a football several miles away.
"Octopus" has 2 very sophisticated helicopters aboard with all kinds of technology, one would hope her crew might assist in search if invited and permitted by the owner?
Sadly, the pilots left earlier this week, so they are just there as eye candy for now… I am sure they will be back though…
Where else is it that you are talking about that has this radar?
the old DEA radar came out in 1995.
the site is now the aviation radar
The radar at the airport is known as a secondary radar.It sends a pulse out to a a planes "Squark" box. The planes box then sends back it position speed etc. This is purely an areonatical navigation device. If the plane switches off it’s box it won’t be detected. Also it is not monitored in Cayman.
The doppler on the other hand is for weather.
And the old DEA radar is just there for looks?????
Yep!! It has not been operational for about 10 years now…..
My prayers to the families and friends of those who are missing. I pray that those who are able to will take the time from their schedules to asssit in the search, the more boats / watercrafts and eyes the better. It is times like this when the community needs to get together and help their fellow man.
CNS: Please do not venture out in rough seas in a small boat, though. We don’t need to be worrying about anyone else.
Oh my God please if ever we need you it is now.
Calm the seas and save the lost at sea for our hearts are greiving as we wait upon you. Amen
My Prayers Are With The Family And Hope They Are Found Safe And Alive May God Bless.
I am praying and hoping that they are found alive soon. This is a very difficult time for friends and family and while I don’t have a boat to go out to help in the search, I hope that those who do have the resources are able to assist. I know one of the men who are missing. Praying for their safe return soon. I wish there was more I could do to help!!!!
God bless them and bring them all home safely. My heart goes out to everyone involved in this very difficult time. I pray for good news and I pray everyone comes home safely very soon.
Please everyone, say a prayer for the safe return of these people. God works miracles!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the missing at sea and their families who must be distraught at this unfortunate time. I also pray for the authorities who are working tirelessly to locate them. God speed.
Awful, just awful, I hope all are found safe and well. Weather was not the best to go out yesterday.