The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), were actively engaged in efforts to locate eight (8) missing Honduran crew members of the ‘Master Ru’ cargo freighter which capsized approximately 8 nautical miles off the coast of NorthAndros on July 10, 2024. The cargo freighter was said to have departed from Bimini to transfer cargo to Eleuthera.
Upon receiving the initial report, the Operations Command Center deployed RBDF surface assets to assist in search and rescue efforts. The USCG provided additional support with a surface asset, and fixed-wing aircraft, to expand the search and rescue operation. Two life rafts were discovered near the sunken vessel with negative sighting of the occupants.
Four males were discovered and later handed over to North Andros police by local residents. Rescue teams utilized advanced search techniques and equipment to cover a wide area in efforts of locating the remaining four (4) males. However, on July 12, 2024, search efforts were suspended until new information is provided.
Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King is steadfast in his commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and local law enforcement agencies, as well as regional partners. Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges.
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