As separate investigations begin into the diving tragedy at the No. 36 sealine which left four divers dead, Paria Fuel says it will make available all relevant documents to the investigators.
Guardian Media reached out to the company on Thursday, just hours before the funeral of diver Rishi Nagassar was set to take place at his Richmond Street, Perseverance, Couva home.
Paria was asked whether it was issued with a prohibition notice from the Occupational Safety and Health Agency to stop all work at the scene of the accident.
Paria issued a notice just before midday indicating that it welcomes the Government’s decision to establish a Commission of Enquiry and looks forward to presenting the facts on the incident, which took place on February 25, at Paria’s facility in Pointe-a-Pierre.
“Paria also takes this opportunity to clarify and reinforce the decision to prevent further entry by LMCS divers into the 30-inch pipeline during the search and rescue exercise on February 25.”
The release said this decision was “made by Paria and supported by the T&T Coast Guard and other external experts.”
The company also said that OSHA is currently conducting its investigation into the incident.
“Paria is fully committed to making available all relevant documents and information to the investigating team, and we look forward to the completion of the investigation.”
Last Friday, attorney Prakash Ramadhar, who is representing the families of divers Yusuf Henry, Fyzal Kurban and Christopher Boodram, issued a letter to Paria chairman Newman George, giving it seven days to respond to a call for all material and evidence pertaining to the divers’ untimely deaths to be handed over.
—RADHICA DE SILVA
