RADHICA DE SILVA
International search teams arrived in T&T over the Christmas Day holiday to search for missing oil rig worker Pete Phillip, as his pregnant wife Candacy spent the day praying and weeping for her husband’s return.
She had hoped for news before Christmas, but as the day passed, she stayed indoors, away from the celebrations.
When Guardian Media contacted her, a despondent Phillip said, “I heard nothing yet. We are still waiting.” She declined further comment saying she was not well and did not want to be interviewed.
Candacy has four children with Phillip all between the ages of three and 13.
Meanwhile, Heritage Petroleum issued a statement on Christmas morning, confirming that the search would continue over the holiday.
Saying it will continue to support the search, Heritage said it “continues to prioritise its support of Well Services Petroleum Company Limited (Well Services) in the Rig 110 incident response.”
“The primary focus of the operation remains the search and rescue of Mr Pete Phillip, who remains unaccounted for,” Heritage said.
It noted that international experts from T&T Salvage had arrived on-site to lend their expertise to the ongoing operations.
“Their world-renowned reputation in emergency response further strengthens the coordinated efforts. All key stakeholders continue to receive regular updates, and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries is providing 24-hour onsite support,” Heritage said.
Heritage noted that it remains fully committed to supporting all aspects of the rescue operations and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries said Minister Stuart Young and the Permanent Secretary have been in regular contact with the teams on the ground and are being provided with regular briefings.
It said Minister Young and the members of staff of the MEEI continue to offer their prayers and thoughts to the family and friends of Phillip during this difficult time.
