Missing Fisherman John Lee Still Awaits Rescue After Month at Sea

September 26, 2024 (Montserrat) - The search for missing fisherman John Lee and his vessel, the MV Optimum, has entered its second month with no sign of the 49-year-old Montserratian. Lee, a fire officer and experienced angler, vanished on August 28th after setting sail for a solo fishing trip east of Montserrat Island.

The most recent update comes from the Martinique Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Fort De France). As of today, September 26th at 2:32 AM UTC, an automated distress message continues to be broadcast via the Inmarsat system. The message details the ongoing search for the white, 9.5-meter-long MV Optimum, registered in Montserrat.

Authorities emphasize the critical lack of safety equipment onboard the vessel. All vessels in the vicinity are urged to maintain a sharp lookout and report any information to MRCC Fort De France. Contact details include phone: +596 596 70 92 92, Inmarsat number: 422 799 024, and email: ANTILLES@MRCCFR.EU.

This renewed plea follows a series of extensive search efforts, including a recent aerial sweep of the Redonda and Montserrat area funded by the Calvin Ayre Foundation. Unfortunately, these operations have yielded no new leads.

John Lee's family remains deeply worried. Reports indicate Lee, a diabetic, departed on his fishing trip at approximately 6:30 AM local time on August 28th. His last known phone signal pinged around 1:30 PM that same day, offering the final trace of his whereabouts.

While a potential fuel tank from the MV Optimum was discovered near Redonda a few days after the disappearance, this clue has not proven fruitful in locating Lee. The search initially conducted by Montserrat authorities has evolved into a multinational effort, with neighboring countries contributing resources to locate the missing fisherman.

The unwavering hope is that John Lee will be found safe, but with each passing day, anxieties mount.