Fri | May 22, 2026

Fisherman reportedly drowns, 16 others rescued off Jamaican coast after boat catches fire

Published:Friday | October 10, 2025 | 3:49 PM
The JDF said the rescued persons were taken onboard the offshore patrol vessel, where they were hydrated and taken to the mainland for further medical attention.
Contributed
The JDF said the rescued persons were taken onboard the offshore patrol vessel, where they were hydrated and taken to the mainland for further medical attention.

A group of Jamaican and Dominican fishermen were on Friday rescued at sea off Portland Point in Clarendon by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) after their boat caught fire and they had to abandon it.

The JDF in a release on Friday said another crew member has been reported missing and and is thought to have drowned.

The JDF said the crew, which consisted of eight Jamaicans and nine Dominicans, departed from Harbour View for the Pedro Banks, which is located in waters off Clarendon.

The JDF stated that at approximately 11:53 a.m. its HMJS NORMAN MANLEY Coast Guard vessel spotted a boat on fire approximately 14 nautical miles south of Portland Point.

The Coast Guard vessel was immediately rigged as a fire boat and began to extinguish the fire.

While simultaneously fighting the fire, the JDF said HMJS NORMAN MANLEY launched its small boat to search the vicinity for survivors, and 16 persons were discovered on three small canoes.

The JDF said the rescued persons were taken onboard the offshore patrol vessel, where they were hydrated and taken to the mainland for further medical attention.

An appeal has been made for the public and mariners on the south coast to remain vigilant for any signs of the missing crew member and report any sightings immediately.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the JRCC Kingston in the event of any search and rescue case. The JRCC Kingston is a 24-hour maritime and aeronautical search and rescue centre that can be contacted via telephone (876) 976-8193 or (876) 836-1216.

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