Minister Smith Provides Update on Search for Missing FV ‘MOYA’ Fishermen

Minister Smith Provides Update on Search for Missing FV ‘MOYA’ Fishermen

Dear Fellow Citizens, Members of the Fishing Community, and Cherished Families and Friends,

As Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, it is with a heavy heart that I extend my hopes for the safe recovery of FV ‘MOYA’ and her crew: Mathias Greenaway (Captain), Glenmore Matthew, and Clancy Samuel.

Their 30-foot vessel, described as having a grey hull with a white superstructure, departed from Market Wharf in Antigua at approximately 1:00 PM on Friday, February 21st, 2025, and was expected to return by 8:00 AM the following day.

After noon on Saturday, February 22nd, the owner of the vessel, Mr. Eugene Lobby, made a report to the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force Coast Guard, at which point they issued a radio alert regionally. Local fishing vessels that attempted a search returned home without sighting FV ‘MOYA’.

After receiving reports of the missing vessel, a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated with vessels from multiple agencies, including those from the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force Coast Guard, St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, alongside air support from the ABDF Air Wing and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Fort-de-France and the relevant authorities in St. Maarten.

On Sunday, February 23rd, and Monday, February 24th, the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force Air Wing assisted the search effort by carrying Coast Guard personnel on an aerial search for the vessel. Despite treacherous sea conditions, our officials remain fully committed to locating FV ‘MOYA’ and are using all available resources and technology to seek her safe return. Incidents like this bring deep sorrow to our nation, especially to the families and friends of the missing fishers. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.

To our brave fishers, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your unwavering commitment to the sea provides not only for your families but also for the nation. The fishing industry is a pillar of our food security and economy, and we owe you respect, appreciation, and continued support.

I urge the nation to recognize and honor the hard work and sacrifices of our fishing community. You put your lives at risk to feed us, and it is only right that we show you the respect and appreciation you deserve. Let us stand in solidarity with our fishers, their families, and the coastal communities that depend on them.

While we cannot promise immediate solutions, I assure you that we remain committed to the continued development and improvement of the fisheries sector. We will strive to enhance safety measures, strengthen industry support, and promote sustainable practices to ensure a brighter future for all involved.

Thank you for your service, your resilience, and your dedication to our nation. May we continue to work together to support and uplift this vital sector.

With deepest respect and appreciation,

Hon. Anthony Smith

Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy

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