CICG issues call for boaters to assist in search for Harris

(CNS) UPDATE Saturday 10:50am: The Cayman Islands Coast Guard issued a notice on Saturday morning that it is not accepting volunteer divers for the search today for missing local reporter Andrel Harris (34) due to ongoing safety concerns and current weather conditions. However, the CICG is welcoming assistance from boaters.

Any boat owner willing and able to assist can contact the CICG by calling 946-6722 or 649-7877,
or by radio on VHF Channel 24.

Volunteers who are joining the search efforts, are reminded to wear appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes (boots or tough sneakers) and a hat for sun protection (baseball cap or bucket hat). They should also bring water and snacks, and apply sunscreen before heading out.

Although the search today will not include divers, the CICG will continue to search underwater, including through the deployment of an underwater drone.

On Friday evening, the police thanked all of those who have been helping in the search for missing local reporter Andrel Harris (34) over the last two days and confirmed that the coordinated effort to find him will continue on Saturday. Anyone who can assist is asked to attend the morning briefing at 8:30am at the Savannah United Church behind the Rubis gas station.

The RCIPS confirmed Friday that an item of clothing retrieved from the sea during Thursday’s search off the coast of Pedro Bluff belongs to Harris, who was last seen Tuesday night at about 9:30pm, walking down Pedro Castle Road towards the local historic site.

Police have yet to reveal any further details about what they have learned regarding his movements, but it is understood that they have conducted a thorough house-to-house enquiry, collected CCTV footage, ring and dash cam video, and tracked Harris’s phone. The search itself has covered the land and sea all around the Pedro area, using specialist underwater equipment and drones.