Freelance Contributor
Two men who went missing on Saturday, after venturing into the mangrove swamp off Claxton Bay to gather oysters, were later found drifting offshore near La Brea yesterday.
Relatives told Guardian Media that Kurt Kissondath, 45, an employee of Technical Integrated Services (TIS), left his home in Dow Village, California, at approximately 7.30 am to harvest oysters. He met up with Nicholas Sooknanan, and the two set out in a flat-bottomed boat.
Concerns were raised when relatives were unable to contact Kissondath. They subsequently alerted the authorities, who discovered his mobile phone and identification inside his car, which was parked under a shed in Claxton Bay.
Family members contacted the Coast Guard, police and Hunters Search and Rescue to assist with the search.
Kissondath’s father, 72-year-old Kissondath Sookdeo, said the family feared the men may have fallen victim to foul play, noting that the swamp can be dangerous due to the presence of individuals involved in contraband activities.
Relatives later informed Guardian Media that the men were found safe after being spotted drifting offshore near La Brea by occupants of a pilot boat around 10 am. A crew member contacted the family to report their discovery, and arrangements were made to collect the men in La Brea. Relatives said the boat ran out of gas, and the men were dehydrated after being adrift. Kurt was taken to his home, where he ate and rested. Relatives expressed their gratitude to all parties involved, and their timely response to this matter.
