Man Found ‘Alive & Well’ After Maritime Search
[Updated] A maritime search is underway after a 29-year-old man was reported “missing from a boat and believed to have fallen overboard,” with the man last seen aboard the boat as it travelled back from Paradise Lakes to Albuoy’s Point.
A police spokesperson said, “Around 1:55am Saturday, July 27th police received a report that a 29-year-old man was missing from a boat and believed to have fallen overboard.
“It appears that the local man took part in a cruise on a private vessel with several other passengers and was last seen aboard the boat as it travelled back from Paradise Lakes to Albuoy’s Point.
“The Maritime Operations Centre was alerted and a maritime search was commenced by the private vessel involved – with marine police, a Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service vessel and a pilot vessel joining the effort in the waters between Paradise Lakes and Albuoy’s Point.
“The maritime search continues, with nearby islands also being checked. However so far, the 29-year-old man has not been located.
“Anyone with any relevant information is urged to call the main police telephone number 295-0011 as soon as possible.”
Update 10.41am: We asked the police if people, especially those with boats, may be able to assist, and they said that anyone with a boat that wants to assist is asked to call 247-1705 and provide their name and a contact number, and if needed, they will be contacted, with the police explaining that they want to keep the search organized.
Update 12.30pm: The police confirm that the 29-year-old man has been found alive and well, having only sustained some abrasions.
A police spokesperson said, “The 29-year-old man has been found alive and well on Watling Island in the Great Sound, having only sustained some abrasions.
“The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] would like to acknowledge everyone that assisted or offered to assist in the marine search effort – including the Maritime Operations Centre, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, pilot boat and the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] – as well as members of the local boating community.
“Of note, the RBR provided one fast boat with a two man crew and five RBR divers, plus an additional RBR soldier who was deployed on a BPS marine unit vessel. The BPS also had officers searching the shoreline.”
RBR Adjutant Paolo Odoli said: “We are happy to provide any assistance we can to the civil authorities. We are glad that the young man has been found safe and well.”
Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley extended his thanks, saying: “Teamwork, perseverance and the willingness of the various agencies and community members to work together, clearly ensured the safety of this young man.
“A full investigation will now take place to find out how he came to be in the water. The investigation will also look at any lessons to be learned from a safety aspect and seek to identify if there are any issues to be considered in regards to the cruise this young man was on at the time.”
