Relatives of missing crew received assistance for surveillance

A group of fishermen for the East Coast reported that a vessel with its crew members have not returned to port after twenty eight days

Today, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Robert M. Persaud met with the group and family members of six fishermen who have not returned from sea.

Minister Persaud was advised by the owner of the vessel and relatives of the crew members that they were supposed to return to port after seventeen days at sea as customary and have not received any information since their departure.

They pointed out that crew activities cannot be sustained for such a long period as they have limited water, ice, gasoline and other food supplies.

As a result of the meeting, Minister Persaud will inform the Ministry of Home Affairs and arranged a meeting with the owner of the vessel, relatives and the Coast Guard to discuss possible search and rescue as well as networking with neighbouring Coast Guard Patrols.

In addition, Minister Persaud has committed to assist with the cost of aerial surveillance, a request made by relatives of the missing crew. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Home Affairs and security forces continue its anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the renewed focus of the Coast Guard and the Guyana Police Force. An anti-piracy bill will soon be taken to Parliament for harsher penalties for those found guilty as well as a special fund for counter anti-piracy operation and assistance to victims.

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