KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard rescued fishermen from a burning vessel earlier today in an incident where at least one man is believed to have drowned.

Reports indicate that just before midday, the HMJS Norman Manley spotted a vessel on fire approximately 14 nautical miles south of Portland Point.

The Norman Manley was immediately rigged as a fire boat and began to extinguish the fire. While simultaneously fighting the fire, the vessel launched her small boat to search the vicinity for survivors, where 16 people were discovered on three small canoes.

The rescued people were taken on board the patrol vessel, where they were hydrated and taken to the mainland for further medical attention.

It is reported that a 17th crew member drowned.

The crew, which had departed from Harbour View for the Pedro Banks, consisted of nine Dominicans and eight Jamaicans.

The JDF is requesting that the public and mariners on the south coast remain vigilant for any signs of missing persons and report any sightings immediately to the JRCC.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the JRCC Kingston in the event of any search and rescue case. The JRCC Kingston is a 24-hour maritime and aeronautical search and rescue centre that can be contacted via telephone (876) 976-8193 or (876) 836-1216.

A JDF vessel extinguishes a boat on fire on Friday (Photo: Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard)