The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) has confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing for other possible survivors of a boat mishap off the First Boca of Trinidad, in the early hours of today, Friday, December 15.
According to an official statement from the TTCG, those involved in the mishap may be Venezuelan Nationals.
“A vessel carrying a number of Venezuelan Nationals sank off the First Boca of Trinidad. Unconfirmed reports further suggest that the vessel left Las Cuevas Bay sometime after midnight on the morning of December 15, 2023 enroute to Venezuela with a still to be confirmed number of persons onboard.”
One man was rescued by the passengers and crew of the Buccoo Reef fast ferry at about 8:30 this morning, after passengers saw him struggling to stay afloat in choppy waters.
[See: “Man rescued in choppy waters by Buccoo Reef crew” https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/man-rescued-in-choppy-waters-by-buccoo-reef-crew-6.2.1877966.d221b48919]
The statement from the Coast Guard commends those involved in the rescue, and confirms the search continues for other survivors.
“The Coast Guard would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island ferry, Buccoo Reef, local fishermen, and other vessels who also assisted in rescue operations. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard’s Maritime Operations Command Center is actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the area to confirm the information received and to locate survivors. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of all involved.”