By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
BAD weather hindered the search for two missing men yesterday after a Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association airplane was forced to return to land.
BASRA Operations Manager Chris Lloyd said the search and rescue operation for the two fisherman, who went missing in waters off Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands on Saturday, continued despite rough seas.
However, he said the weather was “so terrible” the search was temporarily delayed after the safety of the crew on the search plane became a major concern.
Dwayne Deangelo Winder, 23, and Leslie Travis Winder, 25, both of William Dean Senior Highway, Bullocks Harbour, left on a fishing trip around 9am on Saturday in a white and grey, 10 to 15-foot vessel with a 25bhp engine. They were last seen in the area of Little Sturrup Cay around 1pm.
Mr Lloyd said rescuers thought they sighted the men yesterday, but it turned out to be two other men who were fishing in the area.
“The men waved at the helicopter and were in the same type of fishing vessel that was reported missing, so it was assumed that it was the two missing men because everything fitted the description,” he said.
“However, on closer inspection, we discovered it was not them. The weather is also playing a huge role in hampering our efforts. We are using a small plane, but we don’t have the technology. We had to use sight and binoculars and looking for a white boat in a blue and white ocean ... it was impossible. Then we had a safety concern for the crew. “
Mr Lloyd said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the United States Coast Guard were involved in the search efforts.
Comments
John 8 years, 10 months ago
Word from the Berry Islands is that the two men who were spotted yesterday were fishermen from Freeport who were also adrift in high seas. They have since been rescued.
John 8 years, 10 months ago
The two brothers have been found alive and safe in South Florida. They are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
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