Fisherman missing, feared drowned after boat mishap in Atlantic Ocean

A 33-year-old fisherman from Abary, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), is feared drowned after a series of mishaps at sea during a fishing expedition on Tuesday night.

Missing is Ryan Roberts, of Block ‘B’ Bath Settlement, who reportedly fell overboard after the fishing boat encountered rough conditions in the Atlantic Ocean.

Reports indicate that Roberts had left port earlier with a fishing crew on what was described as an expedition. During the night, the crew was engaged in hauling in a seine when Roberts, who was standing on an ice box in the boat while pulling in the net, was struck by a heavy wave.

The impact caused both Roberts and the ice box to be knocked overboard.

Crew members quickly responded and managed to pull him back into the boat. However, Roberts reportedly complained that he had sustained a broken leg during the incident.

In an effort to return to shore as quickly as possible, the crew decided to cut the seine free. While doing so, another heavy wave struck the vessel, throwing the crew members overboard.

Although they managed to regain control and began heading back to shore, the situation worsened when the crew realised the boat had begun taking in water rapidly.

Approximately five minutes into the journey back to land, the vessel reportedly capsized.

The fishermen then placed the injured Roberts on the ice box and used it as a flotation device while attempting to swim to shore.

However, another powerful wave struck the group, scattering the men in the water. When the wave subsided, the ice box had broken apart and Roberts could no longer be seen.

Several hours later, during daylight, another fishing vessel rescued the remaining crew members.

Up to press time, Roberts remained missing and is feared drowned. Authorities are expected to continue search efforts in the area.