Durrant Pate/Contributor

After weeks of uncertainty caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association’s 62nd Annual Marlin Tournament returned to the waters of eastern Jamaica last weekend, delivering a three-day showcase of sportfishing excellence, as Team Safe Passage dominated the competition, catching and releasing nine marlins to claim the prestigious Sterling Asset Management first-place prize. 

Staged at the Ole Marina in Port Antonio, the tournament brought together eight yachts and 38 anglers from Jamaica and overseas. In a meaningful gesture, all cash prizes, totalling S$2 million, will be donated to Hurricane Melissa relief, giving this year’s tournament a strong national significance and cementing it as one of the most memorable in the event’s 62-year history. 

Team Integrity claimed second place with two marlins, while Team Prospect secured third with one marlin, bringing the overall tournament total to 12 marlins caught.

In the individual angler categories, Christopher Berry of Team Safe Passage claimed the Male Angler Award for the most blue marlins, while Andrea Cowan of Team Integrity took the Female Angler Award. The Youngest Angler Award went to Ethan Lyn, Dominic Gordon of Safe Passage landed the tournament’s first marlin, Joseph Charlebois caught the heaviest wahoo, and Omar Richards secured the heaviest tuna. 

Chair of the Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association, Maxim Rochester, emphasised the decision to redirect prize money to Hurricane Melissa victims, saying it reflected the spirit of the angling community. Angling is a fishing technique that uses a fishhook attached to a fishing line to tether individual fish in the mouth. 

According to Rochester, “When we had to reschedule the tournament because of Hurricane Melissa, we knew we had an opportunity to make a real difference. From that point, we decided that when the event was finally held, all cash prizes would go towards the Hurricane Melissa relief fund. I applaud the sponsors and anglers who were on board with this arrangement from the jump.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Asset Management, Charles Ross, said the company was proud to support an event that responded directly to national needs, adding, “The Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament is one of Jamaica’s most respected sporting events, and we are honoured to continue our partnership. This year called for leadership and compassion. By donating the cash prizes to Hurricane Melissa relief, the tournament showed how sport can support recovery and bring people together at an important time for the country.”

Now in its 62nd year, the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s longest-running marlin competitions. This year’s staging will be remembered not only for strong performances on the water but for its contribution to hurricane recovery and the sense of unity it brought to the angling community and the wider country.