RBDF gives Search and Rescue Update

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has regrettably called off the search for a missing boater who reportedly went missing on a journey to Abaco over a week ago.

Commander William Sturrup, the RBDF’s Search, and Rescue Coordinator shared that: “After days of canvassing an expansive area of waters around Chub Cay, and the Berry Islands, we have suspended Search and Rescue operations for the missing individual”, he said. “The Defence Force is grateful to interagency partners and the United States Coast Guard for their support in this activity, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains poised to keeping Bahamian waters safe”.

The individual was aboard a twenty-two-foot craft which reportedly left the capital on Sunday, May 2, 2021 enroute to Abaco. He contacted relatives during the afternoon, expressing concerns that he was taking on water approximately fifteen miles east of Bullock’s Harbour.

After receiving information, the United States Coast Guard vessel Operation Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) along with Royal Bahamas Defence Force assets immediately began a search operation. Along with BASRA, Police Marines Unit, and volunteered boaters, an aerial search was also conducted as far as Sandy Point and Freeport, Grand Bahama without much success.

Commander Sturrup expressed his thanks to the various agencies involved in the search, and sympathy to the family. However, the Defence Force vessels on patrol will continue to be on the lookout for the overdue craft.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)