Tristan Andrew
The family of 35-year-old Alvin Andrew, better known as “Ita” who is missing at sea, said they are fearful that he could be among the four bodies discovered in Martinique.
Andrew’s cousin Debbie Ann told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (June 22) that she was informed this morning about the discovery of the bodies in Martinique.
Debbie Ann said despite these fears, the family will continue to pray and hope for the best. Hanging on to some hope, she said she is not giving up that easy and thinks that her cousin might still be alive and would be discovered soon.
The woman told SNO that no one from the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) nor the Marine Unit ever made contact with the family to provide a report on the search mission.
Andrew left St. Lucia a few months ago to travel to Martinique to seek medical care for a hamstring injury.
It is believed that he joined three men in Martinique, Rudolph, Kurt Richard and the captain Wilfred Deterville on a pirogue, and was destined to return home.
The men reportedly left on Friday (June 5) at about 4 a.m. and were expected to arrive in St. Lucia before noon. They never showed up and despite several searches, marine officials came up empty-handed.
However, authorities in Martinique discovered four bodies on Thursday, June 18 and Saturday, June 20, off Sainte-Anne, Martinique.
Authorities there are investigating whether the four bodies discovered are linked to the disappearance of the four St. Lucian nationals.
According to Martinique media, one body was discovered on Thursday and three decomposed bodies were discovered on Saturday.
Investigators have not yet linked the bodies to the disappearance of the St. Lucians, but indications are that some of the victims are from St. Lucia, according to media reports.
An autopsy is scheduled for early this week to identity the bodies and under what conditions they were killed, a media report said.