Press Releases

UPDATE (24 October)

3:00PM - The Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) wishes to advise the public that the active search and rescue operation for Mr. Corey Nikito Brown and Mr. Amilcar Rosales Smith has transitioned to an inactive status as of 3:00PM on 24 October 2025.

Background: On 21 October 2025, at 4:15PM, a missing person’s report was filed with the 9-1-1 Communications Centre, advising that both persons were last seen on 20 October 2025, after 6:00PM, departing from Brac Reef Resort, Cayman Brac, for Swordfish Bank, in a Blue 24-28ft fishing boat with single 100 HP engine.

Since receiving the report, active search operations, spanning three days (21-23 October 2025) were conducted. These actions included:

Extensive aerial searches by Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Air Operations Unit

Surface searches by CICG Patrol Vessel Guardian

Additional aerial support from Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing

Coverage area: 92 nautical mile perimeter (495 square nautical miles)

Coordination with US Coast Guard Miami RCC for drift probability analysis

Support from Department of Environment officers in Cayman Brac

In making the difficult decision to transition to this new phase, the following factors were taken into consideration:

Time elapsed: 96+ hours since last known position.

Sea conditions: Deteriorating weather conditions around the Sister Islands interrupted search operations on 22 October.

Extensive coverage: Comprehensive search of calculated probability areas yielded no sightings.

Resource deployment: Maximum reasonable search effort has been expended given prevailing conditions.

While active searching has concluded, the CICG remains committed to this case, as such:

All maritime operators and regional partners have been alerted

The case remains open for any new information

Any verified sightings will be given an immediate response

Anyone with information regarding the missing vessel or individuals is urged to contact:

CICG Operations and Rescue Command: 345-649-6722

RCIPS Cayman Brac Station: 345-649-0331

Our thoughts remain with their families and friends during this difficult time.

--ENDS--

UPDATE (22 October):

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6:30PM - The maritime search and rescue operation that commenced at 0400 (4:00am) today, 22 October, has been temporarily suspended as of 1500 hrs (3:00pm) due to deteriorating weather conditions around the Sister Islands.

Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) team, onboard Patrol Vessel Guardian, conducted an extensive search operation, within a carefully calculated probability area, determined by analyzing the overdue vessel's size, prevailing wind patterns and ocean currents to identify the most likely drift location.

The search effort was supported by an aircraft from the Jamaica Defence Force, working in coordination with our vessel which maximized the search coverage of the designated area.

Operations will resume when weather conditions permit safe continuation of the search.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

--ENDS--

Initial Release (22 October):

10:45AM - Search efforts for Mr. Corey Brown & Mr. Amilcar Smith, who were reported as being overdue from a fishing trip, recommenced early this morning, 22 October.

Yesterday, 21 October, just after 4:00pm, a concerned family member notified the 911 Centre that Mr. Brown & Mr Smith were overdue from a fishing trip they had embarked on, on Monday, 20 October, just after 6:00pm, from Cayman Brac.

Upon receiving the report, the CICG began SAR coordination efforts, assisted by the RCIPS Helicopter, and officers from the DOE stationed in the Brac.

Aerial searches of the area where the fishermen stated they intended to go were conducted, however nothing was observed.

The missing fishermen are:

Corey Nikito Brown

DOB: April 9, 1987

Last known to be wearing: Brown long-sleeve shirt, cream pants

Amilcar Rosales Smith

DOB: January 3, 1984

Last known to be wearing: Baby blue shirt, light blue jeans (left leg cut off)

The boat is described as a blue 24-28 ft fishing type vessel is said to be equipped with a single 100 HP engine.

Today’s Activities:

Based on data provided by the USCG todays search efforts will concentrate within a 92 Nautical Mile perimeter an covers an area of just over 495 Nautical Sq. Mile.
Also assisting with the search will be assets from Jamaica Defence Force Airwing.

Based on current sea conditions in the Sister Islands, the On-Scene commander is not requesting any support from local fishermen as sea conditions are not favorable for small craft operations.

--ENDS--