Thursday, December 31, 2009Fisherman reported missing
Time of Call: 1022, Time of Launch:
Local fisherman reported overue by collegue/friend. The 65 year old had not returned from the day before. Residence and watering hole were checked, so the Marine Police, USCG and VI Shipping Registry were all informed. Friends reported his usual fishing territory. At 1058 contact had been made. The fishing vessel had run out of fuel and drifted into USVI and received help in ST. John. VISAR stood down at 1103.
This incident, apart from the obvious need to keep a fuel record, highlights the need for a route plan to be left with a friend, VHF Radio and Cell Phones to be organised before departure on any type of journey.