THE Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department has been informed by the Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Society that five fishermen from the fishing vessel Reshma were missing after departing on a fishing exercise on August 6, 2011. Immediately, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were informed of the report and their assistance sought in searching for the fisherfolks and gathering of any information from their counterparts in neighbouring Suriname in relation to the missing fishermen.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also contacted the Fisheries Department of Suriname seeking their assistance with information into the whereabouts of the fishermen. The Fisheries Department is also in contact with the owner of the vessel, Mr. Bisnauth and the Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Society, Mr. Indar Rampersaud.
Further, a search and rescue team departed the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op Society at No. 66 Village, Corentyne at approximately 09:00 hrs yesterday morning in search of the missing fishermen.
The situation is continually being monitored by the Ministry which remains in contact with the relevant law enforcement agencies. (GINA)