The bodies of missing researchers Floyd Lucas, 38, of Henry Pierre Terrace in St Augustine and Carl Ramjohn, 36, of Lange Park in Chaguanas, were recovered yesterday. The men were lost at sea after an incident on Saturday.
Lucas was married to Ramjohn's sister Carol. Ramjohn is the nephew of the Dr Jean Ramjohn Richards, the wife of President George Maxwell Richards.
Public Relations Officer of the Coast Guard Lt Kirk Jean-Baptiste said: "T&T Air Guard sighted the first body at approximately 8.45 am south of Erin Point. T&T Coast Guard sighted the second body at approximately 10.15 am south of Galfa Point (just before Cedros)." He said the pirogue Dawn to Dusk had entangled the second body under the vessel.
"When it was right sized the body was discovered to be underneath it."
Jean-Baptiste said the recovered bodies were placed on Coast Guard vessel CG 21 and brought to Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas for identification by the respective families and the district medical officer. They were part of a four-member crew doing an environmental survey aboard the pirogue, Dawn to Dusk, captained by Cyril Adolphus, 51, of Plaisance Village, Mayaro. Ryan Mohammed, 31, of Gajadhar Lands in Princes Town, was also on board. Adolphus and Mohammed survived. During the search, the Coast Guard enlisted the assistance of the T&T Air Guard, SAUTT, National Helicopter Services and the Venezuelan coast guard. Accompanied by Sub Lt Andre Moore and Adrian Thomas, Jean-Baptiste made reference to a map which showed the direction in which the bodies had drifted.
Coast Guard send condolences
Jean-Baptiste said he hoped the recovery of the men had brought closure to the bereaved. Relatives bore sad expressions as they left the jetty in his company. He said: "When we heard it was PIW (People in Water) we were hopeful; especially since they were wearing life jackets. But if you spend more than 12 hours in water, it can take a toll. We moved with great urgency to find life."
