The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) today said that its coast guard search and rescue teams are ramping up their daily sea patrols in a bid to locate the fishing vessel `ASEYAH One’ and its four-man crew. The boat and crew went missing on November 16, 2023.
In a statement, the GDF said that the `ASEYAH One’ with its crew members was last seen on November 16 when it departed to assist a distressed vessel. That distressed vessel has since safely returned to port.
In accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the statement said that the Coast Guard’s highest priority is the safety of the crew aboard.
Operations have been concentrated within Guyana’s maritime space from the Demerera River to the Waini River mouth. The search has also targeted the shoreline.
The statement said that to date, vessel patrols have covered an extensive area – a little over 9,000 square nautical miles. The Coast Guard has also alerted its Caribbean counterparts through the Regional Security System to be on the lookout for possible sightings. Vessels operating in the north west have also been placed on high alert.
