By: Drizel Hanley

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 7th June 2018)-Found items belonging to one of the two fishermen believed to be lost at sea have been handed over to the local authorities by the Fisheries Department as search efforts continue.

Vernon Pemberton of New Road and Hayden Langley of Buckleys were reported missing by Pemberton’s co-workers after he did not report to work following a fishing trip on Sunday 3^rd June.

A massive search is underway in the waters in and off St. Kitts and Nevis spearheaded by a joint security search and rescue operation being conducted in partnership with the relevant government departments.

Reportedly, Pemberton was last seen by members of his family on Sunday, June 03 sometime after midday.

According to the report made to the police, he had indicated that he was going out to sea to fish with Langley and neither have been seen since.

As a result, Pemberton was reported missing to the Police on Tuesday morning (5^th June).

Enquiries by the investigators have revealed that Pemberton’s co-workers notified the Fisheries Department that he did not show up for work after leaving for a fishing excursion on the weekend.

Reportedly, both the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the Fisheries Department notified the St. Kitts-Nevis Coast Guard of the situation.

Police say “The Fisheries Department also handed over items identified as those of Vernon Pemberton that were found at sea by another fisherman.”

To this end, the Department of Maritime Affairs has asked vessels passing through the identified areas to look out for debris or a submerged vessel or persons in distress.

On Tuesday of this week (5^th June), the Coast Guard carried out a day-long search operation that included three search areas: one south of Nevis; and two near Redonda down to the St. Eustatius channel.

Additionally, two fly-over searches were done by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre based in Martinique.

The neighbouring Dutch islands have also planned fly-over exercises for this week.

Individuals are advised that if anything is found in relation to the case, they have been asked to report it immediately.

Police investigations into the matter will continue.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of these two men, you are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at the Basseterre Police Station by dialing 465-2241, or contact your nearest Police Station.