RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Candacy Phillip, the pregnant wife of Pete Phillip, says she is trying her best to remain strong for her children as Well Services continues efforts to recover her husband’s body.
Pete, an employee of Well Services, has been missing since December 22 after a part of Oil Rig 110 platform collapsed in the Gulf of Paria.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Candacy, who will have her baby at the end of February, expressed gratitude for the financial support she has been receiving weekly from Well Services and for the steps the company has taken to keep her family informed about recovery efforts.
“I am grateful for the help they are giving us. It is not easy, but at least we have some support,” she said.
She explained that while this has been a difficult time, she is focused on ensuring her children can return to some sense of normalcy.
“If I stay in bed crying, it affects them, so I am trying to be strong,” Candacy said.
She added that all her children have resumed school and are receiving counselling to help them cope with the loss.
“The principal and staff have been very supportive, and the children are getting counselling as well,” she added.
Well Services, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing salvage and recovery operations for Phillip.
Part of Rig 110 collapsed shortly after 3 am on December 22. Search and rescue operations began immediately for Phillip, who was unaccounted for. However, by December 26, the company presumed he was dead and transitioned to a search and recovery operation.
Earlier this week, the company said it had engaged a third-party international provider known for its advanced equipment and expertise to accelerate the recovery process. The statement noted, “Our team continues to work tirelessly throughout this challenging phase, ensuring that every step of the process is approached with diligence and dedication.”
The company emphasised its efforts to maintain transparent and regular communication with the family. A dedicated WhatsApp group has been created to provide updates directly to Candacy and other family members. “This group has been instrumental in ensuring that the family is kept informed about the status and progress of the recovery efforts,” the statement said.
Well Services also confirmed that it is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the operation complies with all safety and environmental protocols.