KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says the remaining 24 fishermen, who were in Colombia following a fire on their vessel, returned to Jamaica on Tuesday.

The fishermen have been in Colombia since Friday, September 14. They were welcomed by the owner of the vessel in Montego Bay, St James.

“On arrival, a very jubilant and grateful Odaine Orret Campbell, the Captain of the boat, who spoke on behalf of the men, expressed sincere appreciation to the foreign ministry and all concerned, for the government’s assistance in bringing them home. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the people of San Andres, including the owner of the hostel who accommodated them during the period,” the ministry said in a release.

Johnson Smith said she is very happy that all 28 fishermen and crew members are now safe and back home with their families.

“Even though four of them were injured in the accident, we give thanks that no lives were lost. These survivors are now also able to share their testimonies of how the people of a partner country such as Colombia extended themselves to assist Jamaicans in distress,” she continued.

The minister expressed gratitude to all involved in the process.

“I again want to express my deepest thanks to everyone involved in the process, including the Minister of Labour and Social Security, including the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Shahine Robinson and her ministry team, our consular team here at Foreign Affairs, the Jamaican Embassy in Bogota and our Honorary Consul in San Andres, the Colombian Foreign Ministry, and the wonderful people of San Andres who brought food and clothing for the fishermen and crew during their stay there.”

The fishermen were rescued by the Colombian Coast Guard following a fire and explosion on their vessel last week Thursday.