KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) Maritime Air and Cyber Command (MACC), says it successfully rescued two fishermen approximately 14 miles southwest of Black River, St Elizabeth, on Friday.

According to a release from the JDF, the men, who departed from the New Causeway Fishing Village on Saturday, August 31, for Mackerel Bank, encountered difficulties when their vessel, IT DWAYNE, ran out of fuel and began drifting.

Reports are that concerned parties contacted the JDF on Wednesday, September 4, after the men failed to return to land as scheduled. An immediate search and rescue mission was launched utilising both air and maritime assets. On Friday, September 6, other seafarers reportedly spotted the drifting vessel and alerted the JDF Coast Guard, leading to the fishermen’s rescue.

Fitzroy Russell, one of the rescued fishermen, expressed deep gratitude to the JDF Coast Guard for their assistance. The JDF in its release, expressed gratitude to the seafarers who contributed what they say was “vital information leading to the successful recovery of the fishermen.”

The JDF says it remains steadfast in its commitment to utilising its assets and capabilities to safeguard lives and ensure the security of all Jamaicans.