ANGUILLA--Vern Webster from Island Harbour was returning from a fishing expedition when he slipped and fell overboard from his boat which was in gear at the time. Luckily he was rescued about an hour later by a passing fisherman. However, his boat continued for about 40 miles northwest of Anguilla until the fuel ran out.
An aerial search for the boat took place in collaboration with the Anguilla Pilots Association accompanied by Sergeant Webster from the Marine Police of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. The boat was spotted about 52 miles northwest of Anguilla.
A search party left Anguilla with four men and after four hours located the boat some 70 miles northwest of Anguilla and 50 miles northwest of Tortola. It was towed back to Anguilla. The boat belonged to Patrick Webster of Island Harbour. He was in the search party along with Sergeant Charles Webster, Trivon Smith and Vernon Webster, all from Island Harbour.
They were awarded certificates of recognition by Commissioner of Police Paul Morrison, who thanked the men for their time, effort and bravery.
