The body of Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, who went missing on Sunday while fishing along the Baconao coast, was found this Wednesday by rescuers from Santiago de Cuba.
Authorities and rescue teams found the lifeless body of Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, known as "Cahelo," a 45-year-old man who had disappeared while practicing spearfishing off the coast of Santiago de Cuba.
The news was confirmed by Aris Arias Batalla, provincial head of Operations and Relief of the Cuban Red Cross, through a post on Facebook, where he expressed gratitude to all the individuals and entities that contributed to the search.
According to what was explained, Herrera Silva was fishing with his father-in-law near Playa Verraco when he disappeared.
His body was found on Wednesday morning at around 8:00 a.m. by technicians from the 4th Command Vista Alegre of the Rescue and Salvage Corps, in an area between Playa Las Coloradas, Playa Larga, and the Sigüa point.
The recovery of the body was complicated by the adverse sea conditions, with strong waves and intense winds, which hindered the efforts to bring it to shore.
Additionally, it was reported that the body was identified by its clothing and physical features, after which Legal Medicine is carrying out the necessary procedures, while coordinating with the family regarding the possible arrangements for a public funeral service open to friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
"Our deepest condolences go out to all the family members," expressed Arias, who also thanked the specialists from the Fire Department, Border Guards, workers from the Retiro Nature Reserve, and local residents for their support in the search efforts.
The fisherman was reported missing after going scuba diving at Verraco Beach, on the coast of Santiago de Cuba, reported independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook profile.
According to a local resident, the man was engaged in spearfishing when the incident occurred.
"His family is at the Sigua checkpoint because since Sunday afternoon, when his father-in-law last saw him in the water, keeping him company, he has not reappeared," he reported.
The fisherman was a diver from the Eastern Center for Ecosystems and Biodiversity (BIOECO) and is currently being searched for by the Rescue and Salvage team. The operation was interrupted at dusk.
Aris Arias Batalla, Head of Operations and Rescue in Santiago de Cuba, spoke about the ongoing rescue operation to locate the missing underwater fisherman who had been unaccounted for since Sunday.
The man whose trail disappeared after entering the beach is Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, 45 years old and a resident of the coastal town of Playa Verraco.
Arias Batalla specified that around 2 p.m. on March 30, Herrera Silva - who practices underwater fishing - entered the mentioned beach and did not come out again, according to the testimony of family members who accompanied him.
Frequently Asked Questions about the discovery of the missing fisherman in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to Juan Ramón Herrera Silva in Santiago de Cuba?
Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, 45 years old, disappeared while practicing spearfishing off the coast of Baconao, Santiago de Cuba. His body was found by rescuers after a search operation that faced adverse sea conditions.
How did the rescue operation for the missing fisherman take place?
The rescue operation was led by the Salvage and Rescue Corps of Santiago de Cuba and involved the participation of the Cuban Red Cross, Border Guards, and local residents. The adverse sea conditions, including strong waves and high winds, hampered the recovery of the body.
What was the reaction of the local community to the disappearance of Juan Ramón Herrera Silva?
The local community expressed concern and actively participated in the search efforts. Neighbors, friends, and colleagues of the fisherman, as well as employees of the Retiro Nature Reserve, joined the effort to locate him. The news of his passing was met with sorrow and led to expressions of condolences towards his family.
What is known about the conditions of the area where the fisherman disappeared in Santiago de Cuba?
The area where Juan Ramón Herrera Silva disappeared is known for its hazardous conditions for underwater fishing, with strong waves and winds that can complicate water activities. These adverse conditions were a decisive factor in the disappearance and subsequent recovery of the body.
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