PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Six marlins were tagged and released on the first day of the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament at the Ole Marina here in the parish.

Acting Custos Hugh Perry encouraged the participants to make the best of the weather conditions in Port Antonio.

“I wish for you a wonderful tournament, enjoy the rain, enjoy the fishing and may the Lord have mercy on you all and may the fish come running in. Have a wonderful tournament”.

He later set the tournament on its way by symbolically firing the cannon.

Those tagging and releasing are Michael Habib on Murmur; Andrew Alexander on Wassy; David Moss on Fair Prospect; Oliver Fraaije from the Dutch team on Insatiable; Jamila Johnston on Too Contagious; and George Librum Mev on the Haitian yacht Jwilavi.

The yacht ‘Cabymilan’ lost a marlin.

The yacht ‘Diana’ and another ‘Safe Passage 111’ started late due to mechanical problems.

A total 22 yachts of the 27 registered went out this morning.

Fishing will resume this morning at 7:00.

The defending champion King Fisher 11 is said to be joining the tournament before it ends.