Missing fisherman feared dead at sea

Maritime security personnel and other fishermen are currently searching the rough waters of the Portland Bight Protected Area with hope of finding Bernard Powell, a 53 year-old resident of

Portland Cottage and also formerly of Old Harbour Bay.

Hopes of finding Powell, also known as ‘Bird Man’, are increasingly becoming remote with each hour that passes by.

It has been close to four days since the boat overturned with him and another colleague after they’d ventured out to sea last Friday (February 16, 2024) evening.

The distressed colleague was found Monday afternoon under the overturned boat by a crew of fishermen within the waters of Rocky Point, Clarendon.

He has taken to shore and transported to the Lionel Town Hospital where he’s receiving treatment.

His condition is said to be stable, while doctors on staff have initiated a battery of tests to determine his current health status and course of treatment.

According to a relative of rescued fisherman, the boat was hit by a massive wave, causing it to overturn.

This was sometime between late Friday night and early Saturday morning.

There has been no sight or sound of Powell since either.

The relative said the fisherman, who is very conscious, told them that he staying underneath the boat was a better option in him staying alive.

He believed though that he could not survive for another day if fortune did not favour him yesterday, the relative said.