The lifeless body of Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, who went missing on Sunday while fishing off the Baconao coast, was discovered by rescue teams in Santiago de Cuba this Wednesday. Authorities and rescue squads located the remains of the 45-year-old, affectionately known as "Cahelo," who disappeared during a spearfishing expedition along the shores of Santiago de Cuba.
The confirmation of this tragic discovery came from Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial head of Operations and Relief for the Cuban Red Cross, through a Facebook post where he extended gratitude to all individuals and organizations involved in the search efforts. Herrera Silva had been fishing near Playa Verraco with his father-in-law when he vanished.
His body was found around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning by technicians from the Vista Alegre Command 4 of the Salvage and Rescue Corps, located in an area between Playa Las Coloradas, Playa Larga, and Sigüa point. The recovery operation faced significant challenges due to adverse maritime conditions, including strong waves and high winds, which complicated the extraction process to the shore.
The body was identified through his clothing and physical characteristics, and the legal medicine department is currently handling the necessary procedures. Meanwhile, arrangements are being made with the family for a possible funeral service open to friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. "Our deepest condolences go out to all the family members," expressed Arias, who also thanked the specialists from the Fire Department, Border Guards, Retiro Natural Reserve workers, and local residents for their assistance in the search operations.
The fisherman was reported missing after going diving at Playa Verraco on Santiago de Cuba's coast, as independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on his Facebook profile. A local resident mentioned that the man was engaged in spearfishing when the incident occurred. "His family has been at the Sigua control point because since Sunday afternoon, when his father-in-law last saw him in the water, he has not been found," she recounted.
Herrera Silva was a diver for the Center for Eastern Ecosystems and Biodiversity (BIOECO) and was actively being searched for by the Rescue and Salvage team. The search operation was paused at nightfall. Arias Batalla spoke about the ongoing rescue efforts to locate the missing spearfisherman who had been unaccounted for since Sunday. The man whose trace was lost after entering the beach is Juan Ramón Herrera Silva, a resident of the coastal area belonging to Playa Verraco.
Arias Batalla detailed that around 2 p.m. on March 30, Herrera Silva, who was dedicated to spearfishing, entered the mentioned beach and was not seen again, according to family members who were with him.
Key Questions about the Fisherman's Tragic Disappearance
What circumstances led to Juan Ramón Herrera Silva's disappearance?
Juan Ramón Herrera Silva disappeared while spearfishing off the coast of Santiago de Cuba near Playa Verraco, accompanied by his father-in-law.
How was the body of the missing fisherman identified?
The body was identified through his clothing and physical features, and legal procedures are being conducted by the relevant authorities.
Who coordinated the search operation for the missing fisherman?
The search operation was coordinated by Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial head of Operations and Relief for the Cuban Red Cross, with the involvement of various rescue teams and local support.