The search for three Barbudan fishermen who went missing in December has taken a new turn with the discovery of their sunken vessel, Give Thanks.

A source close to the matter has confirmed the information to IPB, adding that the coast guard also dived down to verify the vessel. The 23-foot Pirogue was located by a group of Barbudan divers approximately four miles west of Cedar Tree Point on the northwest coast of Barbuda, lying about 50 feet beneath the surface.

The vessel, which was carrying Shalico Charles, Vere Isaac, and Cleon Joseph when it disappeared during a routine fishing trip on December 1, was reportedly found with empty fishing pots onboard.

The incident occurred amidst rough seas and high winds, which had hampered previous search efforts. Despite the discovery of the vessel, there has been no sign of the missing fishermen.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has been leading search operations since the fishermen’s disappearance.