The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is pleased to advise that the 90 ft Jamaican- owned fishing vessel “Shiloh” which ran into difficulties on Sunday 6th March 2016 in Caymanian waters was safely towed into George Town Harbour on Tuesday 8th March with the 31-member crew on board. The vessel had left Kingston Harbour on the morning of 6th March destined for the Misteriosa Bank for fifteen days, when it developed engine problems.
The Office of the Jamaican Honorary Consul in George Town, Grand Cayman was notified of the arrival of the vessel. Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Cayman, Dr Joseph Marzouca and Honorary Vice-Consul, Ms Elaine Harris were at the dock to meet the crew. Caymanian Immigration and Customs Authorities interviewed the crew, all of whom were granted temporary admittance. The Ministry understands that the plan is for the owners of the vessel to send another vessel to tow the disabled craft back to Jamaica; however, weather conditions and other circumstances have delayed the departure.
Through the intervention and assistance of the Honorary Consulate of Jamaica in Cayman and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, one fisherman left Grand Cayman for Kingston on Friday 11th and another 23 crew members were repatriated by air last Sunday 13th March. Two others will depart today. Five of the crew have opted to remain on board the vessel, including the Captain, a co-owner and the Engineer.
