Community joins in search for Andrel Harris

Scores of volunteers gathered at the Cayman Islands Baptist Church, near Pedro St. James to stage a search for media personality Andrew Harris, who had been missing for several days.

Mr. Harris, age 34 of Bodden Town, was reported missing to police, Wednesday 4 June. He was last seen in the area of Pedro Castle Road, Bodden Town, at approximately 9.30PM, Tuesday 3 June.

Ground, aerial and coastal searches were  conducted in the Pedro Castle area in search of Mr. Harris based on information derived from CCTV and door-to-door checks.

To streamline multi-agency response efforts between Police, Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG), members of the public and other agencies, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) facilitated a partial activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which included coordinating efforts of some of the NEOC emergency support teams including communications, community emergency response teams, first aid services by Red Cross, and activation of a Call Centre for volunteer coordination, as well as CayMind/ Mental Health support.

The CICG conducted search operations on the ocean and utilized data from the Cayman Islands Weather Station to refine key areas. This included the use of underwater equipment which aided visual searches for any items of interest.

The RCIPS Air Operations Unit helicopter, and drone operators (private & CIG), coordinated via the RCIPS Drone Team, were also deployed to enhance search capability in dense and wide scale areas.

Mr. Harris is a long-serving member of the Cayman Islands media and has most recently joined the team at Compass Media as an on-air reporter. The community’s outpouring of support and concern is palpable, as the search to find him continues.

He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with sleeves rolled up and black pants. He is approximately 5’ 9” tall, and of slim build, with dark brown complexion, and has long dreadlocks (neatly kept).

Police request that anyone who has seen Mr. Harris, or knows of his whereabouts should call 911, or the Bodden Town Police Station at 947-2220.

Recent Update

As at press time of Monday 3pm, the RCIPS had advised that the search for missing man, Andrel Harris, had transitioned to a search and recovery operation.

During search efforts on Saturday and Sunday several items were recovered. Additionally, based on recent information, a specific search location was identified where an item was seen in the water that appeared to be a mobile phone.  The phone was retrieved on Sunday morning and is being examined by forensic specialists.

Based on evidence collected so far, combined with the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mr Harris, including the length of time that has now passed, the transition was made from search to recovery.

The family of Mr Harris has been informed of this development, and a RCIPS family liaison officer is supporting them at this time. 

The RCIPS appreciates the impact this news has on the family and friends of Mr Harris, and the wider community, and request that persons remain sensitive to the matter particularly when considering online activity.

The RCIPS also thanked all those who have helped with search efforts so far, particularly those members of the public who have given their time and equipment to assist with the search, and to our partner agencies for their expertise.