Five days into the search for missing Bioce resident, Huron Vidal, family members are hoping that the fisherman will soon be found, hopefully, alive.
Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO) on Tuesday evening, the daughter of the missing former police officer, Brianna Vidal, revealed that her father was last seen by his son on the morning of Thursday, August 11, 2022, around 8:30 am, while heading out to sea.
She stated that at the time, the 73-year-old was wearing a blue t-shirt, khaki shorts, and a blue hat as well as glasses.
According to Brianna, her father, who has worked in the Bermuda police force in the Marine section for about 19 years, is one who can be described as a “fisherman at heart.”
“He retired from that job, came back to Dominica and bought a fishing boat, and decided to spend as much time in the ocean as he could. So. it was very very normal for him to go out, even if it’s not for fishing, just take a boat ride or a 30 min swim, “ she told DNO’s reporter.
Speaking on the search and rescue operation which has been ongoing for the past five days, Brianna made known that since reporting their father’s disappearance, they’ve received countless assistance from the local and regional authorities.
“The night that it happened, we were able to get the Dominican Coast Guard to go out that same night. We’ve also received assistance from the French Maritime Rescue Center who sent out their boats, two small aircraft, and a helicopter which has been circling the area,” she reported. “Over the past few days, we’ve also gotten in contact with the Coast Guard in Martinique, St. Lucia St. Maarten, St Kitts, Curacao, and Aruba.”
“A lot was going on in a short space of time. But you know, in these situations time is of the essence,” she added.
The concerned daughter urged members of the public as well as the fishermen and women to be on the lookout for a small boat which is painted white on the outside and yellow on the inside.
“Now and again it would be good if you could just glance on the water and see if you see anything at all because we would really like to have my dad back home,” she stated.
Meanwhile, acting inspector of police Fixton Henderson revealed in a media statement today that at about 1 pm yesterday- august 15- fishermen from the community of Colihaut discovered what appeared to be human remains while at sea.
He noted that the unidentified remains which were found outside the coast of Bioche were handed over to the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) via the coast guard and are being stored at a funeral home while investigations continue.
Anyone with information on the matter is urged to contact their nearest police station.
DNO…any further news about this man?
Whereas I sympathies with the family of Vidal; I must say I don’t understand why a 73 year old man would venture out to sea alone!
There is a reason why people at one time retired at age fifty-five (55) at one time in Dominica, in America it was 65, until they rise it to age 70, but even at that most people retire at age 62 here.
At between the age of 55- and 70, reflexes are not the same as below fifty, a seventy year old person can quite easily disoriented at sea, or even walking a village street in the middle of the day.
I knew someone who worked for Radio Antilles (The Big A) when it existed in Montserrat, he was German; far less younger than 70; he went out alone at 6:00 PM, one evening; we never saw him again to this day!
Huron Vidal was my Sargent for many years in Bermuda. One of the best examples of a leader that any young officer could have. He was a true mentor and friend to all of us under his supervision.
I pray that he is returned swiftly to his family. Those in Bermuda who worked with him, cherished him as a friend are desperately waiting to hear good news.
Blessings to Brianna and her brother; she was a young girl when she left Bermuda. We are keeping hope alive.
Fishermen please take hid..go fishing well equipped..if u feel ill stay the hell on shore. Don’t want to lose another fisherman. Wearing you life jacket you just never know..don’t think cuz you are a swimmer u don’t need it..maybe the system calls for changing. Anyone found without life jacket on the water must be charged. Let’s save our fishermen. I went on a tour and everyone had a life jacket cause you never know. Lesson learned. Still hoping he is found alive somewhere
Wow my my my this is so sad
I do hope for Mr Vidal’s safe return and pray God’s grace and strength over the family.
As of now we don’t know much except the last time he was seen on land according to his daughter. But I do want to add here that it Is no secret that those who oppose the Roosevelt Skerrit led administration are not safe whether at sea or on land . I am not implying anything here but at the same I am not ruling out anything
It is said that on the day he went out at sea, another fisherman encountered him and Mr. Vidal told the fisherman that he was not feeling well. The fisherman urged him to return to shore but he said that he would be ok. I would just like to point out that too many of our sea persons here take too many chances with their lives, There are safety equipment that work via satellite. life jackets should be worn and not just lie on the boat. stop thinking that you will always be lucky. my prayers are with his family.
A truly sad story. It is of absolute importance that before one ventures out to sea he is equipped with some form of communication device plus safety gears.
May the efforts of the searchers be successful and Mr. Vidal is returned to his family alive and in relatively good health.