Three fishermen go missing Fisherman’s Day

Although Mark Dennie and his crew have been missing for five days, Dennie’s son and close friend are optimistic that they will be found alive.{{more}}

Dennie and two others, identified as Walter ‘Kernel’ Lynch, of Layou, and Abo Thomas, of Edinboro, were reported missing some time after 8pm on Monday, May 24, 2010.

Dennie’s son, Jomarley Cyrus, told SEARCHLIGHT that Dennie left home as early as 5:30 am on Monday to take part in the Fisherman’s Day competition. Cyrus said it was customary for Dennie, a fisherman for about 30 years and a member of the Fisherman’s Cooperative, to participate in the competition.

Cyrus said he went, into Kingstown around 7:30 am but noticed that his father’s phone had been left in their jeep. He added that they waited for his father to return with the others, but contacted the SVG Coast Guard at around 8pm on Monday after they did not turn up.

SEARCHLIGHT contacted the Coast Guard who confirmed that the report had been made and a search is ongoing.

Cyrus related that another fisherman informed him that they met Dennie with his crew in waters off St. Vincent. Cyrus, however, could not recall the exact location.

“I’m just holding strong,” the soft spoken Cyrus said. “(I’m) just keeping the faith, hoping that some great news will come.”

Cyrus added that parliamentary representative for the area, René Baptiste, contacted him, stating that other neighboring islands had been informed of the missing vessel.

Dennie’s close friend Albert Browne, who is a member of the Rainbow Radio League Emergency Communication Team, is also assisting in the search. Browne remains optimistic that his friend and crew members will be found.

Browne explained to Searchlight that searches are being made, but once the visibility condition improves, he is sure they will be found, as he didn’t think that the boat had sunk.

“It’s probably an engine or fuel problem. I’m still optimistic,” he said.

Browne related that the boat is equipped with flares and that the men had taken along enough water, and may have secured enough fish on Monday to sustain them.

Cyrus stated that the vessel is a 27 foot pirogue. It is painted in red and blue on the outside and green on the inside. The name of the vessel is “Jah Love” and its registration number is J8-452-KI. (OS)