Successful Search and Rescue

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) confirms that a man reported missing at sea on the evening of Saturday, September 27th, was found alive this morning following an extensive search and rescue operation.

At around 8:55 p.m. yesterday, the Police Control Room received a report concerning 42-year-old JEROME RIGBY, who was last seen departing Sapodilla Bay, Chalk Sound, on a blue and white Yamaha jet ski.

Following the report, Marine Branch officers were immediately deployed and conducted searches from South Dock Port to the Bluff. During the search, the jet ski was located near Turtle Rock; however, there was no sign of Mr. Rigby.

The investigation was supported by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Tactical Unit, and other specialist teams.

At approximately 1:14 a.m. today, Marine Branch officers reported that Mr. Rigby was located alive on a rock off Sapodilla Bay.

He was transported by the Marine Branch to South Dock Port, where medical personnel were on standby. Mr. Rigby was then taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for further treatment and observation.

The RT&CIPF would like to remind the public of the importance of exercising caution when venturing out to sea, particularly during hours of darkness, and to always wear life jackets and use proper safety equipment.