Remaining Jamaican fishermen in Colombia repatriated

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is reporting that all 28 Jamaican fishermen have now returned from Colombia following a fire that destroyed their vessel two weeks.

The last batch of 24 fishermen were repatriated on Tuesday.

The first bacth of four returned home on Saturday.

The 24 fishermen who came home on Tuesday were welcomed by the owner of the vessel in Montego Bay, St James, the ministry said in a statement.

“On arrival, a very jubilant and grateful Odaine Orret Campbell, the Captain of the boat, who spoke on behalf of the men, expressed appreciation to the foreign ministry and all concerned for the government’s assistance in bringing them home.

“He also expressed his deep appreciation for the people of San Andres, including the owner of the hostel, who accommodated them during the period,” the ministry said.

Added Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, “I very happy that all twenty eight fishermen and crew members are now safe and back home with their families. Even though four of them were injured in the accident, we give thanks that no lives were lost. These survivors are now also able to share their testimonies of how the people of a partner country such as Colombia extended themselves to assist Jamaicans in distress.”

The men were rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard on September 14 following a fire and explosion on their vessel the day before.

The men reported that their 131-foot fishing boat's ignition system caught fire which they said quickly spread.

The fire hit the boat's gas container which exploded.

The fishermen said that they jumped into the water to escape the fire.

US Coast Guard officials reported that about 11:33 p.m. on September 13 crew members received a report from the Jamaica Defence Force that a fishing boat was on fire and needed emergency assistance.

The men were rescued by a Colombian navy ship which transported them to shore.

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