From RCIPS Mar 14 2017 Poachers; Canoe Abandoned Near Barkers

Update: Men Suspected of Marine Offences Arrested

Both of the men believed to have been in the canoe fleeing Joint Marine and DoE officers yesterday have been located and are in good health.  Both have been arrested on suspicion of marine offences and are currently in Police custody.

From RCIPS

Just before 8AM this morning, 13 March, Joint Marine officers on patrol were asked to assist Department of Environment (DoE) officers who were tracking suspected conch poachers on board a canoe in North Sound.

Joint Marine Officers on board the police marine vessel Typhoon joined the DoE vessel in following the canoe.  The canoe fled into the mangroves near Barkers and was grounded.  Marine and DoE officers located the canoe, and searched the surrounding area for several hours this morning, with the assistance of the police helicopter, but the men on board the canoe have not been located.

Of primary concern for police and the DoE is the safety of the men on board the canoe.  They are identified as Ian Martin Ebanks and Derrick Bush, both of West Bay.  We are asking that Mr. Ebanks and Mr. Bush, or anyone who can confirm that they are safe and unharmed, call the Joint Marine Unit at 649-7710 or DoE at 949-8469.

During the search of the mangroves this morning one marine officer was injured, he was taken to hospital and treated for a non-life threatening injury.