Missing fishermen fishing vessel, Moya. Photo: Antigua Observer

The 30-foot vessel, with three fishermen on board, departed Market Wharf at approximately 1pm on February 21, and was expected back by 8am the following day. However, concerns arose when no contact was made, prompting the ABDF Coast Guard to launch a search operation at around 2pm on Saturday.

The missing men are Mathias Greenaway, Glenmore Matthew, and Clancy John.

Search efforts have been hampered by rough seas, as a high surf advisory has been in effect for Antigua and Barbuda since Friday. Given the challenging conditions and the prolonged absence of the vessel, authorities have escalated the situation to the distress phase.

The Coast Guard has since ramped up its operations, enlisting the support of multiple agencies, including the ABDF Air Wing, the Regional Security System (RSS), the Antigua Fisheries Department, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Fort-de-France, Martinique, the St Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, and the Montserrat Marine Police Unit.

From Saturday through Tuesday, February 25, search teams have been conducting both aerial and sea operations, expanding the effort to locate FV MOYA and ensure the safe return of its crew.

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the rescue mission. Anyone with relevant details is asked to contact Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant (Naval) Trish Lake at 729-5802 or the Coast Guard hotline at 462-3206 / 462-2841/2/3.

The ABDF has also reiterated the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations, stressing that every available resource will be utilized to locate the missing fishermen and reunite them with their families.