Falklands : TwoFishermen Missing Presumed Dead
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 20.02.2007 (Article Archived on 06.03.2007)
The Royal Falkland Islands Police are still conducting an investigation into what happened abord the Taiwanese Jigger, Jih Da Gan that caused ten fishermen to jump ship.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) Another view of the rescue effort just before the Sea King helicopter from 78 Squadron at MPA had to leave.
MARITIME INCIDENT - MISSING PERSONS
Another view of the rescue effort
At 1707 hours on Monday 19 February 2007 a report was received from the Falkland Islands Company Limited Shipping Agency that ten crewmen had jumped over the side of the Jih Da Gan, a fishing vessel at anchor in Stanley Harbour, in a bid to reach the north shore. The vessel is owned by the Wa Da Fishery Co Ltd and is flagged in Taiwan. FIC launches were in the area very quickly and eight of the crewmen were found and taken to the East Jetty where they were transferred to KEMH.
A further search was commenced with the Fire & Rescue Service and the FIDF being deployed to the Camber area. Many other individuals also assisted. They, together with the launch crews, carried out a detailed and concentrated search of the water, beaches and the country side. The search and rescue helicopter attended and did close searches of the entire area including an infrared search. Nothing further was found and the search was called off at 2003 hours.
The eight survivors spent the night in KEMH and were provided with clothes and toiletries by the Seaman’s Mission. The survivors are being interviewed as part of an investigation by the Royal Falkland Islands Police into the incident. Efforts are being made to locate the two missing persons who are believed to have perished.
At about 1000 hours this morning information was received that two further crewmen left the vessel by getting onto a visiting launch. They will also be interviewed in due course.
Len S McGill
Inspector 20 February 2007
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