The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coastguard, the marine police and local fishermen were yesterday evening conducting a search for four men who went missing when their fishing canoe capsized a day earlier.

"The fishing vessel Dawn Patrol was in the vicinity of Pelican Reef (south of St. Catherine), with eight persons onboard, when it capsized in rough seas," the JDF said. "Four of the men swam to safety and made a report to the police."

Immediate search

The JDF Coastguard said it was informed yesterday and commenced an immediate search-and-rescue operation for the missing men, which was still ongoing. The JDF and the marine police said they were using multiple assets to conduct the search for the missing men - surface vessels and air (helicopter) support.

According to the JDF, small-craft warnings have, since this week, been in effect for fishers and other marine interests due to gale-force winds and above-normal waves caused by a frontal system in the vicinity of Jamaica.

"Seafarers are being urged to heed the small-craft warning and not to go to sea until the weather conditions improve," the JDF said.