The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard remains baffled by the disappearance of three Barbudan fishermen—Shalico Charles, Vere Isaac, and Cleon Joseph—who went missing on December 1 during a routine fishing trip aboard the vessel Give Thanks.

Despite extensive search efforts, no clues have emerged about the whereabouts of the men or their vessel. The search began the same evening and has involved government, non-government, and private entities. However, the Coast Guard announced on Monday that it has scaled back its operations, transitioning from an “active to a passive” search.

Operations Officer Lieutenant Randolph Best explained that during the passive phase, the Coast Guard will remain vigilant for signs of the vessel while conducting routine patrols. “We will reengage in an active search if new leads arise. Otherwise, the focus shifts to being mindful of possible tell-tale signs,” Best said.

Family members of the missing men have expressed concern, noting that the fishermen were not known for taking extended trips. According to Best, there was only one cellphone on board the vessel, and it is unlikely that radios were available.

“To date, there have been no leads or discoveries; leaving authorities puzzled but hopeful,” an ABDF statement read. The search, which began the same night, included the ABDF Coast Guard, its Airwing, and additional resources from government, non-government, and private entities.

The initial search which began Sunday night and extended to neighbouring islands, utilised government, non-government and private resources to improve probabilities of locating the vessel.

The search initially extended to neighboring islands, including Barbuda’s northern coast, where wind and current patterns suggested the vessel might have drifted. However, those searches have been unsuccessful.

On the day the men went missing, sea conditions were moderate to rough, with winds of 12-21 mph and swells up to 1.5 meters. Despite this, Best believes it is unlikely the vessel drifted outside the designated search zone, which stretches from Montserrat in the south to Anguilla and St. Martin in the north. “ With the size of the vessel and the time to respond, they would’ve been expected anywhere between 15- 20 miles North North West of Barbuda; which reveals a drift of less than 1 mile each hour.”

The operation has utilized advanced technology, including the RSS A-2 aircraft equipped with detection systems capable of identifying objects above and below the waterline.

While such incidents are uncommon, they are not unprecedented. In September, 49-year-old John Lee, an experienced fisherman and fire officer from Montserrat, went missing after departing from Little Bay. Debris from his vessel, including a fuel tank, was later discovered near Redonda, an uninhabited island approximately 10 kilometers from Montserrat.

Montserrat’s Commissioner of Police, Mark Payne, told IPB that after weeks of fruitless efforts, the active search for Lee was suspended in early September. “Sadly, we have not located him. We will, of course, respond to any further information that becomes available,” Payne said, adding that a formal coronial process would follow in such circumstances.

The Coast Guard says they have not had any similar instances this year, however there have been recent cases in a two year time frame where vessels have gone missing but evidence of debris, or articles on board have been discovered.

In early November, ABSAR, the Coast Guard, and CalvinAir collaborated to rescue two fishermen stranded on an overturned vessel en route from St. Martin to Barbuda. The men, who had been overdue for several hours, were eventually found sitting on the hull of their capsized boat.

According to Best, this incident, and others in the past have resurfaced the prior discussions regarding the safety of fishermen. Actions such as engaging fishermen in safety workshops were taken in the past in a formal setting.

Best says community and families remain hopeful for the return of their affected members and are also on the lookout for any signs that can aid the investigation.