Jamaica: Fisherman missing,16 rescued after boat fire

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says one fisherman is believed to have drowned and 16 others were rescued at sea following a boat fire off the coast of Clarendon on Friday. In a statement, the JDF said that around midday, members of the Coast Guard spotted a vessel ablaze just south of Portland Point. The soldiers responded quickly, extinguished the fire, and searched the surrounding area, where they discovered 16 people aboard three small canoes. The rescued individuals were taken aboard an offshore patrol vessel, given hydration, and transported to the mainland for medical evaluation. Authorities reported that one crew member remains missing and is presumed drowned. The crew reportedly included nine Dominicans and eight Jamaicans. The JDF is urging mariners along the island’s southern coast to remain alert for any signs of the missing fisherman and to report sightings immediately to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.