The Cayman Islands Coast Guard continued its search for missing Compass Media journalist Andrel Harris on Saturday.
A press release issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police on Saturday afternoon said that although sea conditions were not conducive to deploying divers in the water, two Coast Guard boats conducted searches along the shoreline as well as in an offshore search pattern. Underwater equipment, including a drone, are also being utilised. Members of the public with boats are also assisting the CICG.
In addition to the to the RCIPS drones, members of the public have also volunteered with their drones to search areas in the Pedro St. James area and along the south coast of Grand Cayman.
Further land searches were made on foot along all the trails leading off Pedro Castle Road. During Friday’s search activity, several items of possible interest were recovered on land in the Pedro Castle area. Police had given no further information about those items at this time.
On Friday, the police confirmed that an item of clothing found in the water on Thursday belonging to Harris had been recovered. The police were able to confirm that a an item found in the clothing belonged to Harris.
From an investigative standpoint, RCIPS said in its Saturday press release that detectives are actively enquiring into Harris’ movements prior to and on Tuesday 3 June, including collecting witness accounts, reviewing cell phone data, CCTV footage, vehicle data and any purchases Harris would have made prior to the RCIPS receiving the missing person report, on Wednesday 4 June.
Harris was last seen Tuesday 3 June around 9:30pm walking along Pedro Castle Road toward Pedro St. James. He was wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and black pants. Harris is approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall, of slim build, with a dark brown complexion, and has long, neatly kept dreadlocks.
Members of the public with boats who would like to volunteer to assist the Coast Guard should call the command centre 946-6722 or 649-6722 4 via VHF on channel 24.
The police have asked for any member of the public who has information regarding Harris that could assist the investigation or search efforts to call 911.
Compass Media statement:
“Andrel is a cherished member of our Compass team, and we are praying for his safe return.
“We have been working closely with the RCIPS as the search continues. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Andrel and his loved ones during this difficult time.
“We encourage anyone in the public who may have information to please contact the police using the details below.
“We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of the RCIPS, Andrel’s family, friends and the wider community. We will continue to support the search in every way we can, while respecting the privacy of his family and assisting the authorities.”
