By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE SEARCH for an elderly laywer who has been missing since Sunday evening has been called off, according to RBDF public relations officer Lt Origin Deleveaux.

Lt Deleveaux said after searching for two days the search was called off around 5pm yesterday.

“We have not located the gentleman in the Clifton point area,” he said, “our results have been negative.”

“As it stands the search has been called off. We have done an extensive search yesterday evening and we continued from 6am Monday. I cannot comment on whether or not it will resume, it is a possibility that it might, but for now it has been called off.”

Officials have not identified the missing man, but The Tribune understands he is 72-year-old Anthony Hepburn.

Mr Hepburn, also known as Tony, has been a lawyer at Graham Thompson and Co. He is also an avid bird watcher.

According to reports, Mr Hepburn disappeared around 8:30pm Sunday while kayaking near Gaulin Cay off Clifton.

His daughter, Sara Binosch, said she is grateful for all the assistance she has received from members of the public and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Yesterday, family and friends combed the shoreline, but could not locate Mr Hepburn or the bright yellow Kayak he was in.

However, Mrs Binosch said the family has not given up hope.

Lt Deleveux is advising the boating public to adhere to safe boating practices and to know their vessels.

“You must know the fuel capacity and consumption rate. You must file an appropriate float plan specifically with responsible friends and family members and must not deviate from the plan without notifying them. It should include destination and responsible time of return, including the number of persons on board. Conduct a pre-departure check, including a weather forecast, location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, check the bilge pump and tool kit. Also have a  working marine radio, including a backup,” he said.

Ensure life jackets are worn at all times especially in the evening, always have flares, a first aid kit, an anchor, sufficient line with spears, sufficient food and water, navigational tools and aids. As well as paddles, a flashlight in case of emergency. We are also asking persons to stay with their boat, it is much easier to locate a person in a boat than in the water, unless the boat is sinking but remain in the general area. Use the radio to broadcast a distress signal on channel 16.”