More than four months after a fishing boat was destroyed in the Caribbean, the family of one of the missing men continues to seek answers amid mounting concerns over a US military campaign targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Ricky Joseph, a 35-year-old fisherman from St Lucia, left home early on the morning of February 13 to catch tuna, ballyhoo, and snapper. When he failed to return, his partner, Lucille Charles, grew increasingly worried. Efforts to reach him by phone went unanswered, and it was only later that scattered reports emerged suggesting the boat Joseph was on had been struck and destroyed by US forces.

The operation is part of a broader campaign initiated under the Trump administration aimed at intercepting boats allegedly transporting narcotics to the United States. Over 60 such strikes have reportedly been carried out in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 people, with the most recent incident recorded on June 21.

Human rights organizations, various governments, and the United Nations have condemned these attacks, describing them as extrajudicial killings. Critics argue that even if individuals on the targeted vessels were involved in smuggling, drug trafficking is not a capital offense under US or international law. An analysis by the Washington Office on Latin America has noted a decline in media coverage of the strikes, despite ongoing concerns.

Joseph’s family has been left in distress and uncertainty. Although authorities informed them that his remains had been recovered, they have not been provided with his body or a clear account of the incident. Charles expressed the difficulty of conveying the loss to their children, who never had the opportunity for closure.

Joseph’s brother, Titus, described the emotional toll of seeing the burned remains of the boat. He disputed allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, questioning the lack of evidence and emphasizing Joseph’s life as a fisherman.

The boat’s owner, Cameron Taliam, said he knew the captain, known locally as “Nafi,” as a law-abiding and well-respected figure. Taliam reported receiving limited official information on the attack, which occurred in waters near St Vincent and the Grenadines. Witnesses reportedly observed a US drone engaging another vessel before targeting his boat. The incident has caused fear among local fishers, with some requesting changes to the appearance of fishing vessels to avoid being singled out.

St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, confirmed that an investigation was launched but acknowledged that, as of May, no further details had been provided by US authorities. “We cannot insist that the US gives us answers… And the sad thing is that we have had no further information on this matter,” Pierre said.

Taliam expressed frustration over the situation but did not hold the St Lucian government responsible. Instead, he criticized the approach taken by the US administration, describing it as reckless. The lack of transparency and accountability continues to fuel fear and uncertainty in Caribbean fishing communities affected by the ongoing campaign.