Vincentian among three missing as search continues for overdue fishing vessel 

By Admin. Updated 6:03 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

A Vincentian man who spends much of his time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among three fishermen missing at sea after the fishing vessel on which they departed Antigua failed to return from a fishing expedition last week.

Gregory Questelles, 63, was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and left Antigua aboard the 30-foot fishing vessel Lady Madesha on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was accompanied by Antiguan fishermen Cleo-Foster Jarvis and Rowel Martin, also known as “Waza”.

The vessel was expected to return on Saturday, July 18, but neither it nor its three occupants has been seen or heard from since.

According to a media release issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), the matter was reported to the Coast Guard at approximately 1:16 p.m. on Monday, July 20, after the vessel failed to return as scheduled from fishing grounds around Barbuda, South Bank or Redonda.

The ABDF Coast Guard immediately activated search and rescue procedures, launching a coordinated operation involving both aerial and maritime assets.

The search has included aerial operations by the ABDF Air Wing in the vicinity of St. Kitts and Nevis, maritime searches between Antigua and Barbuda, and searches along coastal areas within the vessel’s anticipated operating region. 

Assistance has also been provided by Barbuda Fisheries, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Fort-de-France, Martinique, and the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) organisation.

A marine safety broadcast has been issued, urging mariners operating in the relevant fishing grounds and surrounding waters to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the vessel or its crew.

In responses to questions from One News, Gregory’s cousin, Denise Pavlin, said there have been no further updates since relatives received a briefing from the Coast Guard but confirmed that search efforts are continuing.

“There are no updates, but they’re still searching,” she said.

Ms Pavlin said Gregory was last known to have been in contact on Thursday, July 16, before departing on the fishing trip.

She said Gregory has lived in Antigua for about 40 years, where he served in the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force before retiring. Although he has established his life there, she said he now spends most of his time in St. Vincent. He is married and has children in Antigua.

Ms Pavlin added that Gregory’s mother, Emblin Questelles, who lives in Dauphine, St. Vincent, celebrated her 100th birthday in April this year. His brother, James King, a senior police official in Antigua and Barbuda, and his sister, Wonda Questelles, a nurse, both live in Antigua, while three of his sisters reside in New York.

King has also appealed to the public and the wider maritime community for information as the search continues.

In a message shared with family members, he said he remains hopeful despite the absence of any positive developments.

“I am confident that they’ll be located but as for now nothing positive. Gregory along with two other guys left last Thursday morning and should return Saturday evening, didn’t show up and have not been able to be contacted since. Myself and Wonda, along with family members of the two other persons, just attended a briefing with the Coast Guard where they outlined a number of searches which they have conducted both aerial and by sea, along with assistance from the neighbouring islands, but there haven’t been any sightings. As of now they’re out again conducting further searches, so we’re praying for a positive ending.”

The ABDF said Coast Guard officials have met with the families of the missing fishermen to provide updates on the operation, offer reassurance and obtain any additional information that may assist in locating the vessel.

The Coast Guard is appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lady Madesha or its three occupants to contact its Operations Centre or the nearest police station immediately.

The search remains ongoing.

END