Three fishermen from Barbuda are missing after embarking on a fishing trip early Sunday morning. The men—vessel owner Shalico Charles, Captain Vere Isaac, and crew member Cleon Joseph—set out aboard the 23-foot boat Give Thanks but have not returned.

Rescue efforts, supported by the Coast Guard, have been underway, with search teams reaching out to islands west of Antigua, including St. Kitts, Anguilla, St. Martin, and St. Barts. “All vessels in those areas have been notified,” said Barbuda Council Chairman Devon Warner, who joined the search aboard one of the vessels. Notifications have also been sent to neighboring islands.

The fishermen, all in their early 40s or younger, left the Cedar Tree Point area mid-morning Sunday on a routine trip to set lobster traps and haul in their catch for export.

Warner described Captain Isaac as an experienced fisherman and mechanic, adding that the boat is equipped with GPS. “We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best,” he said.

Search crews have covered a wide area. While the vessel Warner was aboard ventured 30 nautical miles offshore, other boats searched farther out. Planes and helicopters have also been deployed to scan areas farther from Barbuda.

The Antigua Meteorological Office had issued a surf advisory on Sunday, warning of swells as high as six feet, which could pose additional challenges.

Efforts to locate the missing men will resume tomorrow, with plans to rely heavily on air support.