A search is underway in the Eastern Caribbean for a 58-year-old Dominican boater who failed to arrive in St. Maarten after departing the British Virgin Islands.

Peter Baron reportedly left Tortola on Sunday aboard a 45-foot white catamaran named Ocean Time, where he was the sole person on board.

He was travelling to deliver the vessel to its new owner.

The US Coast Guard said Thursday that the search is taking place in waters between the Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

Coast Guard watchstanders in San Juan received a report from concerned family members on Wednesday night after Baron was reported overdue.

A local maritime agent told the Coast Guard that Baron had previously attempted the journey to St. Maarten about a week earlier but was forced to return to Tortola after experiencing problems with the vessel’s steering system.

The agent said Baron carried out repairs himself before departing for St. Maarten again on Sunday.

Following the report, Coast Guard officials launched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to search for the missing boater.

An HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft is also involved, while an urgent marine information broadcast and enhanced group call have been issued to alert vessels operating in the area.

Regional agencies assisting with the search include Virgin Islands Search and Rescue, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Fort de France and the Rescue Coordination Centre Curaçao.

Anyone with information about Baron or the Ocean Time is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector San Juan at 787-289-2041.