Diver finds clothes from one of missing men

| 14/01/2010

(CNS): The police confirmed this afternoon that a shirt belonging to Astor Range, one of the five people missing at sea since Sunday 10 January, was recovered earlier today during the ongoing search operations. About 12.40pm this afternoon (Thursday 14 January) police said a yellow shirt was recovered from the Rum Point Channel by a volunteer diver assisting in the RCIPS. The police also confirmed that hopes of finding any of the party alive had faded and the marine unit was now engaged in a ‘search and recovery mission.’

The shirt has now been identified by family members as belonging to 36-year-old Astor Range, one of the five people reported missing on Sunday night. Chief Inspector Courtney Myles isappealing to the local community for additional divers to assist with the search tomorrow, Friday 15 January, as weather conditions are forecast to improve.

As the fourth day of searching drew to a close police also said that hope of finding any of the group alive had faded. The RCIPS Marine Unit and a number of personal boats continued the search on Thursday 14 January but the operation is now being classified as a ‘search and recovery’ mission.

“Since the moment we were made aware that Raynell, Astor, Joshua, Jeamie and Michelle were missing we’ve conducted extensive sea, air and land searches in the hope of finding them alive and reuniting them with their families,” Chief Inspector Courtney Myles of the RCIPS Marine Unit said. “It’s now four days since that search began and we have to be realistic – we believe that based on the sea and weather conditions of late all hope of finding them alive has now faded. The thoughts of everyone in the RCIPS, and the many people who have assisted us in the searches, are with the families of the victims at this very harrowing time. RCIPS liaison officers will continue to provide support to the families in the coming days as they plan their respective memorial services.”

Myles explained however that the marine unit would not yet give up the search. “We are, however, continuing searches inside and outside of the reef area today in hope that we can bring some kind of closure to the families,” he added.

Anyone who is available to join in the search is asked to contact the incident control centre on 814-7811 from 6:30am.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Category: Local News

About the Author ()

Comments (17)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. yensi ebanks says:

    my brother  for my and my family  my hart the have pain  and I FEELS HE is still there

  2. Anonymous says:

    Jamie…… I would have never thought this would happen to you…… such a kind sweet child…. my heart is with your Family.

    You your Mom, Julie and I shared the good times and the hard times, but this is just almost too much. I know you are safe and I know you are well cared for so take care my sweet Jamie…I know your Family are fighters and God will help them to get pass this.

    Love always

    Friend

  3. Night Flyer says:

    Why would anyone give the thumbs down to R.I.P.?  mind boggling.

  4. CLW says:

    R.I.P. Astor, such a kind caring person, my heart aches for your family and friends at this most difficult time.

    Maybe one day we’ll share that long overdue cup of milo again.

    Prayers to all affected.

    CLW

  5. Anonymous says:

    Thanks on behalf of my Brother and his Family to All of you out there for your help and your prays for my niece and two nephews and Astor and Joshua.

     

  6. Anonymous says:

    I want to give the volunteer divers a pat on the back for their efforts in the search for these people. It is difficult and unpleasant work for sure and is done to help bring closure to the families of the missing.

  7. Anonymous says:

    R.I.P my friend Astor Alvintine Range you will always be within my Thoughts..I will cherish your friendship forever.

    God bless you and all the others….

     

    Your Friend,

    Da Rock.

    • Anonymous says:

      Trust me, we feel it for you "Da Rock" and all Astors family and the other families as well, but there is one SICK PUNK out there that would put "thumbs down" to your post.

      Stand strong, as 99.99% of the people are behind you and the families.

       

  8. gene hunt says:

    no answer to the incident control centre number and no response to multiple requests to be available to volunteer…. what’s that about?

  9. Douglas Gibson says:

    If any divers want a ride out tomorrow I have a 40 ft boat which I can take up to eight people out tomorrow you can call Me Bobby @ 917 3208

  10. Dawn says:

    I am so sorry for these individuals and their families.  I have prayed and hoped everyday for their safe return or any return.  Please know that you are in my daily prayers and thoughts. 

    • Anonymous says:

      I share the same sorrow and extend the same prayers.  May God comfort the families and give them the strength they need to get them through these difficult times. Please know that your pain is shared with people all over the island.

  11. Anonymous says:

    God comfort you all.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Chief Myles and the rest of the marine police and all those volunteers, who have been on this search now since sunday night.In what is a very sad moment, Chief Myles you showed through your leadership and community minded spirit that all walks of life willingly gave up their time to assist this family by helping the police. you showed that interest at scotts marina over the past several days when you individually recognised group leaders and their teams and that this search was a joint effort. our prayers continue for the family of the victims and we pray for the safety of all our search teams.   

  13. Anonymous says:

    R.I.P.