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Compass News
Coast Guard calls off search for journalist Andrel Harris
The Cayman Islands Coast Guard says it has formally suspended the search for missing Compass Media journalist Andrel Harris.
It noted that the decision has been taken as, following more than a week of intensive searches, it was unlikely that he would be found.
In a statement issued around 11:35am Thursday, the coast guard said, “In accordance with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, the suspension of activity indicates that all reasonable search areas have been thoroughly covered, all available resources have been utilised, and there is no longer a reasonable expectation of locating the missing person alive.”
Since Harris, 34, was reported missing on Wednesday, 4 June, sea, land and aerial searches have been carried out, mostly in the area of Pedro St. James, where he was last seen on CCTV footage around 9:30pm on 3 June.
Though the search, which over a week covered 12.25 square miles of open sea and coastline, has been formally suspended, Harris’ disappearance will continue to be investigated by police.
In its statement, the coast guard noted, “While active surface and aerial search efforts have concluded, authorities will continue to monitor for any new information or developments that may assist the investigation.”
It added, “This difficult decision follows exhaustive efforts over several days, including the deployment of multiple assets and personnel across extensive maritime and coastal zones. Regrettably, it has now been determined that continued active search operations are unlikely to result in the recovery of the missing individual.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the missing person during this
profoundly difficult time.”
A message to the Cayman Islands community
Harris’ mother Josete Dell released a brief statement through the Compass Thursday, thanking the community for its support during the search.
She wrote, “I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have been involved in the search for my son, Andrel Harris.
“Special thanks goes out to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, Hazard Management, CERT teams and other public agencies who coordinated these tireless efforts. My family and I appreciate the volunteers who have also helped us so far – whether close friends, old classmates, relatives or even complete strangers.
“Although my heart hurts at this time, I continue to hold on to my faith that we will get the answers we so desperately seek to provide closure.
“To my firstborn, Andrel, Mommy loves you and I look forward to the day we meet again.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the RCIPS by dialling 911.
Over the coming days, Compass Media will be sharing meaningful professional and personal moments we’ve experienced with our friend and colleague Andrel.
We want to hear from you, so reach out to us and send your comments@compassmedia.ky
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Cayman Compass
Missing Andrel: A trailblazing Caymanian journalist, beloved friend and colleague
The faces in the search party told their own story.
Current and former colleagues, old school friends, close and distant relatives, men and women of all ages and nationalities, people from the streets and a few from the corridors of power. The great and the good of Cayman society were out in force to join the search for Andrel Harris.
Some only know him as a face on their television or mobile device screens, a voice on the radio or as a byline in the newspaper. Others know him as a colleague, a friend, a brother, a son and a father.
It can seem at times that there are few things that unite all of us in Cayman Islands. But the search for our missing colleague brought people together in grief and worry, in hope, and in prayer.
We still don’t know what has happened to Andrel.
We do know that he hasn’t been seen since last Tuesday evening; that CCTV footage captured his image walking towards Pedro St. James and that items of clothing belonging to him were found in the water off that coastline.
But, for now, there is no closure.
In the absence of clear facts, speculation has filled the void. That’s not something we want to fuel or engage in. With time, the full truth may emerge. Or maybe it won’t.
What we can say without fear of contradiction is that Andrel is a beloved member of this community and a respected figure in this and every newsroom he has worked in since he took his first steps into this profession.
