Two boats carrying 37 people collided off Chaguaramas. Here is what we know about the five still missing.
Five people remain missing after two pleasure boats collided off Chaguaramas on Sunday evening, and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) is continuing its search. Here is what authorities and news reports have said so far.
The collision happened shortly after 6 p.m. in waters near the Coast Guard base at Staubles Bay. Police said the two vessels were the BAMBALEO and the BELBAGAI. CNC3 described them as a 28-foot Bowen and a 29-foot Chantelle. The BAMBALEO was carrying 18 people, and all 18 were reported safe. The BELBAGAI had 19 aboard, and the five missing were on that boat. Police said several passengers were thrown overboard and one of the vessels sank.
Rescued passengers were taken to the Coast Guard base. The BAMBALEO and other vessels helped transport the injured. Some had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken by Coast Guard ambulance to the St James Medical Complex. One report said nine people from the BELBAGAI were brought ashore. Authorities have not publicly reconciled how many of those aboard were injured or treated.
Police named the missing as Ameer Mohammed, Keeana Seechan, Lorenzo Oliver, Anil Ahaye and a person identified only as Titus. The Express reported that they include an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl.
The Coast Guard is searching with divers, and the police Coastal Support Unit and Air Support Unit are assisting. The Hunters Search and Rescue Team has also gone out to sea. The cause of the collision is under investigation. As of the latest reports, on Monday evening, authorities had not announced the outcome of the search.
This report draws on the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, the Trinidad Express, TTT News, CMC, CNC3 and the Associated Press.