Search efforts for the overdue fishing vessel Faith P intensified after possible debris from the boat was discovered in waters southwest of Barbuda, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard.

In a media release issued today,  the Coast Guard said a local vessel involved in the search on March 14 found what appeared to be an engine cover matching the description of Faith P about 26 nautical miles southwest of Palmetto Point, Barbuda.

Authorities also received unconfirmed reports that a fishing cooler was discovered within the general search area.

The vessel, with three people aboard, was expected in port Thursday, March 12, but did not arrive.

The men onboard the vessel have been identified as Devon Prince (alias “Grease Gun”), Adrian Pryce (alias “Ivan”), and Carlton Pitt (alias “Nagamootoo”). 

The Coast Guard said it received notice of the overdue vessel at about 5:40 p.m. Thursday. 

Officials were informed the fishermen had departed at about 7 pm on March 11 to fish about 12.5 nautical miles south-southwest of Barbuda.

Up to press time, the Coast Guard had coordinated about 18 hours of search operations involving two aircraft and five vessels covering approximately 1,225 nautical miles of sea. 

The vessel had not been located.

The investigation into the whereabouts of Faith P remains ongoing and its status is uncertain, the release said.

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast message continues to air cyclically on VHF Channel 16, alerting mariners operating within the general search area to remain on high alert in hopes of locating evidence that could assist the search.

The ABDF reminded the seafarers to follow safety practices in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and local maritime regulations, including ensuring vessels carry required life-saving appliances, distress and communication systems.