Relatives of missing Tobago fisherman David Mclean plan to submit DNA samples to authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines after two decomposing bodies were discovered in that country’s waters, the Trinidad Guardian reported.
Mclean, of Lowlands, and his friend Kester Alexander, of Buccoo, have not been seen since leaving Scarborough to go fishing on October 9. Searches by relatives and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in local waters were unsuccessful. Aerial searches also failed to locate the men.
The MacLean family told the Media they had contacted St Vincent police and decided to pursue DNA testing to help establish whether there is any connection between the discoveries and the missing fishermen.
Authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines reported on October 13 that a man’s body had been found floating near Stubbs Bay and Diamond. An autopsy could not establish the cause of death because of advanced decomposition, but DNA was extracted from bone marrow.
St Vincent police told Guardian Media that no one had come forward to report a missing person or identify that body. A second decomposed body was discovered in St Vincent waters on Wednesday, adding to the families’ concerns.
The Guardian reported that initial information suggested the first body might not be connected to the missing fishermen. Neither discovery was confirmed in the report as involving Mclean or Alexander.
Alexander, a father of three, also remains unaccounted for. Relatives of both men told Guardian Media they were desperate for answers as the uncertainty continued.