Press Releases

UPDATE: Maritime Search and Recovery Efforts Suspended, 12 June (11:00AM):

The Cayman Islands Coast Guard confirms the formal suspension of active search operations in relation to the ongoing Search and Recovery effort.

In accordance with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) 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.

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.

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.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the RCIPS by dialling 911.

UPDATE (11 June, 4:30PM):

As of midday today, operational leadership of the search and recovery efforts for Mr Andrel Harris has formally transitioned from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) to the Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG). The RCIPS will continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Harris’s disappearance and remains in close contact with his family. 

This morning, the Coast Guard resumed its search and recovery operation, which has been ongoing for several days and has involved a coordinated multi-agency response. 

Operations commenced at 9:38 AM, with a team comprising two vessels and two jet skis conducting targeted searches along high-priority areas of the coastline. These locations were selected based on the positions where items had previously been recovered, as well as environmental analysis of wave and current patterns to determine the likely movement of objects in and under the water. 

As of 2:57 PM, no further items of interest have been found. 

Weather conditions have played a critical role throughout the operation—at times limiting visibility, affecting asset deployment, and requiring short-term pauses for safety. Despite these challenges, teams have remained focused, adaptable, and committed to conducting a safe and thorough operation. 

To date, the operation has seen the deployment of CICG vessels, jet skis, dive units, and both aerial and underwater drones, covering more than 12.25 square miles of coastline and open water. Collectively, these efforts have accounted for hundreds of personnel hours over six consecutive days of active searching. 

With the Coast Guard now leading the maritime phase of the operation, we take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions made by partner agencies including the Cayman Islands Regiment (CIR), Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), Customs and Border Control (CBC), Royal Cayman Island Police Service, and the many others who supported the land-based search. Their efforts have directly informed and supported the ongoing maritime search strategy. 

The next update will be provided at 11:00 AM on Thursday, 12 June

UPDATE (8 June, 11.30AM):

The RCIPS would like to inform the community that the search for missing man, Andrel Harris, is now transitioning to a search and recovery operation.

During search efforts yesterday and this morning several items were recovered. Additionally, based on recent information, a specific search location was identified where an item was seen in the water that appeared to be a mobile phone.  The phone was retrieved this morning and will now be examined by forensic specialists.

Based on evidence collected so far, combined with the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mr Harris, including the length of time that has now passed, this has informed the transition from search to recovery.

The family of Mr Harris has been informed of this development, and a RCIPS family liaison officer is supporting them at this time.  Search parties have been briefed on the change of direction.

The RCIPS appreciates the impact this news has on the family and friends of Mr Harris, and the wider community, and request that persons remain sensitive to the matter particularly when considering online activity.

The RCIPS wishes to again thank all those who have helped with search efforts so far, particularly those members of the public who have given their time and equipment to assist with the search, and to our partner agencies for their expertise.

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UPDATE (7 June, 9:00PM)

Tomorrow, Sunday 8 June, search efforts will continue, based out of a new location, Joanna Clarke Primary School (formally Savannah Primary School).  Persons who wish to assist with the search are asked to please attend briefing at the school at 8.30AM.

CICG will also resume ocean searches tomorrow.  Persons with a boat who are interested in volunteering to help with the search are asked to call the ORCC at 649-7877 or 649-6722 4 via VHF on channel 24.

Today’s search efforts resulted in the recovery of a number of items of possible interest.  Police have informed the family of Mr Harris, and detectives are continuing with their enquiries.

The RCIPS wishes to thank everyone who supported todays search efforts.  The unwavering dedication shown to the search from members of the public and partner agencies alike has been truly appreciated.

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UPDATE (7 June, 12.30PM):

This morning the Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) is back on location, with two boats, conducting searches along the shoreline as well as an offshore search pattern.  Sea conditions at this stage are not conducive to deploying divers in the water, however the use of underwater equipment, including a drone, is being utilised.  Members of the public with boats who would like to volunteer to assist the CICG should call the ORCC at 946-6722 or 649-6722 4 via VHF on channel 24.

The RCIPS continues to utilise its drones, alongside a number of members of the public who have volunteered with their drones, to revisit some areas on land, and in the Pedro Castle area as well as along the South Coast.  This morning further land searches on foot are being carried out along all trails leading off Pedro Castle Road

During yesterday’s search activity, several items of possible interest were recovered on land in the Pedro Castle area.  From an investigative standpoint, RCIPS detectives are actively enquiring into Mr. Harris’ movements prior to and on Tuesday 3 June, including collecting witness accounts, reviewing cell phone data, CCTV, vehicle data, and any purchases Mr Harris would have made prior to the RCIPS receiving the missing person report, on Wednesday 4 June.

RCIPS continues to thank the public and volunteers for their support, and our government agency partners for their collaboration and assistance so far in the search.

If anyone has any information regarding Mr Harris that could assist the investigation, or search efforts, please contact 911.

Photo Caption: Command Centre coordinating search efforts, and police and HMCI analyzing aerial footage.

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UPDATE (6 June, 12:00PM): 

Police can confirm that the item of clothing which was seen during searches yesterday, has been recovered and examined by police. An item belonging to Mr. Harris has been found within. The family has been notified of this development, and the assigned Family Liaison Officer continues to support the family. Search operations will continue throughout the day, led by the RCIPS and Cayman Islands Coast Guard, and supported by our partner agencies and members of the public.

Further updates will follow as additional information is available.

UPDATE (5 June):

Today, Thursday 5 June, police continued their efforts to locate Mr. Andrel Harris, age 34 of Bodden Town, who was reported missing to police, Wednesday 4 June. He was last seen in the area of Pedro Castle Road, Bodden Town, at approximately 9.30PM, Tuesday 3 June.

Following on from yesterday’s efforts, further ground, aerial and coastal searches were conducted in the Pedro Castle area in search of Mr. Harris based on information derived from CCTV and door-to-door checks.

To streamline multi agency response efforts between Police, Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG), members of the public and other agencies, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) facilitated with a partial activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which included coordinating efforts of some of the NEOC emergency support teams namely, communications, community emergency response teams, first aid services by Red Cross, activation of a Call Centre for volunteer coordination, and CayMind/ Mental Health support.

The Cayman Islands Baptist Church located on Pedro Castle Road was made available and utilized as a Command Centre. Several teams, inclusive of emergency workers and members of the public, conducted grid and lined searches with additional information garnered form CCTV.

The CICG conducted search operations on the ocean and utilized data from the Cayman Islands Weather Station to refine key areas. This included the use of underwater equipment which aided visual searches for any items of interest. During the search an item of clothing was seen but could not be concluded as associated with Mr. Harris at this time. The RCIPS Air Operations Unit helicopter, and drone operators (private & CIG), coordinated via the RCIPS Drone Team, were deployed to enhance search capability in dense and wide scale areas.

Concurrent to this, several lines of enquiry were followed throughout the day and based on information gathered a further coordinated search will be conducted tomorrow, Friday 6 June.

To ensure effective coordination and safety, any member of the public volunteering to help with search efforts is to meet at the Cayman Islands Baptist Church at 8:30AM, Friday 6 June, where a briefing will be conducted prior to search commencement.

This remains an active police investigation.

Mr. Harris was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and black pants. He is approximately 5' 9" tall, and of slim build, with dark brown complexion, and has long dread locks (neatly kept). Additionally, he was last seen on Pedro Castle Road with what appeared to be brown paper bag and bottle in his hand walking south towards Pedro Castle.

Police request that anyone who has seen Mr. Harris, or knows of his whereabouts to call 911, or the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. 

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4 June:

Police are seeking the assistance of the public to locate Mr. Andrel Harris, age 34 of Hirst Road, Bodden Town, who was reported missing today, Wednesday 4 June. 

Mr. Harris did not attend work this morning. He was last seen in the area of Pedro Castle Road, Bodden Town, at approximately 9.30PM, Tuesday 3 June.

Mr. Harris was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and black pants. He is approximately 5' 9" tall, and of slim build, with dark brown complexion, and has long dreadlocks (neatly kept). 

So far the police have carried out ground and aerial searches, and coastal searches in the Pedro Castle Road area in search of Mr. Harris. Police continue to make further checks based on information available at this time.

Police request that anyone who has seen Mr. Harris, or knows of his whereabouts to call 911, or the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220. 

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