One fisherman reported dead, 16 rescued from burning boat by JDF

Tragedy unfolded at sea on Friday after a group of Jamaican and Dominican fishermen were forced to abandon their vessel when it caught fire off Portland Point in Clarendon.

Sixteen men were rescued by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard, but one crew member is believed to have drowned.

According to the JDF, the crew of 17, eight Jamaicans and nine Dominicans, had departed Harbour View for the Pedro Banks when disaster struck. At approximately 11:53 a.m., the JDF's HMJS Norman Manley patrol vessel spotted the burning boat about 14 nautical miles south of Portland Point.

The Coast Guard immediately rigged the ship as a fire boat to battle the flames while launching a smaller craft to search for survivors. Sixteen fishermen were found drifting in three small canoes nearby.

They were rescued, hydrated, and transported to the mainland for medical attention.

The JDF has since urged mariners and residents along the south coast to remain vigilant for any signs of the missing fisherman and to report sightings to the JRCC Kingston at (876) 976-8193 or (876) 836-1216.