ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Mar 11, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Tuesday said that it is working closely with relevant authorities to salvage the wreckage of a boat which had been reported overdue since December 1 last year.
The ABDF said that a dive conducted by members of the ABDF Coast Guard and Barbuda Fisheries confirmed that the wreck was indeed the F/V GIVE THANKS and that among the items found at the site were the hull of the vessel, its engine, hauler, and the motor of the hauler.
It said that last Friday, it received a report indicated that local divers had discovered a wreckage that was located approximately three nautical miles west of Ceder Tree Point in Barbuda.
“Given this discovery and the amount of time that has elapsed since the vessel was reported overdue, the Coast Guard has transitioned the operation to a search and recovery mission.
“The Coast Guard is working closely with relevant authorities to salvage the wreck and ensure the proper handling of the items recovered in an effort to further the investigation into the cause of the incident,” the ABDF said.
It said that ABDF members have since flown to Barbuda to meet with family members of Shalico Charles, Vere Isaac, and Cleon Joseph, the crew of the vessel.
The ABDF said that Lieutenant Colonel Alando Micheal and Lieutenant Naval Trish Lake shared the latest details of the investigation into the disappearance of vessel and its crew.
“The Chief of Defence Staff and the members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Shalico Charles, Vere Isaac, and Cleon Joseph during this incredibly difficult time.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to conducting the investigation and providing closure to the families of the crew,” the ABDF said.
CMC/aj/ir/2025.