KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says its Maritime, Air and Cyber Command (MACC) is conducting a search and rescue operation for two fishermen who have been missing at sea since Tuesday, October 29.

The fishermen reportedly departed Middle Cay in a blue and red vessel from Pedro Banks destined for the Belmont area in Westmoreland when they ran out of fuel. The JDF was subsequently contacted to provide assistance and deployed both air and maritime assets in search of the fishermen between October 29 and Friday, November 1.

Observer Online understands that the search was later expanded to the south, south-western and western parts of the island. The JDF also reportedly sought assistance from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to locate the distressed vessel.  However, there has so far been no sign of the fishermen or the vessel.

According to the JDF, it is now coordinating with regional partners in Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala and other seafarers in search of the men.

“The JDF remains committed to utilising our operational capabilities to preserve lives and ensure the safety and security of all our citizens,” it said in a media release issued Wednesday night.