Body confirmed as Cummings

(CNS): Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Peter Kennett, has confirmed that the human remains which were found in the area of Moon Bay on Friday, 12 December, have been positively identified by a pathologist as those of Ian Hugh Cummings, who was lost at sea during a fishing trip on Wednesday, 10 December. “This is a terrible time for the family and our condolences go out to them,” said Kennett.

He explained that the family had been informed and the remains had been released to relatives for a funeral. Cummins disappeared after the boat he and a friend were on capsized and he began swimming back to shore for help.

A search and rescue operation was launched after Cummings’ fishing partner made it back to shore at around 10:00 pm. He explained that he and Cummings were fishing in Bodden Town in the Moon Bay area where Cummings lived. Cummings had started swimming to shore after their boat was capsized by a wave. The other man stayed with the boat for a short while but was forced to abandon it. When he got to shore Cummings could not be found.

A search of the area by Marine and Air Support Units and foot patrols was conducted but had to be called off at 2:45 am on Thursday, 11 December, due to worsening weather conditions. The search resumed at first light by sea, in the air and on land, but there was no sight of him. Cummings body was eventually discovered in the Moon Bay area on 12 December by local divers who had volunteered to assist in the search.