The search continues for two Trinidadian sailors who were destined for Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The men, identified as Alvin Morgan and Damien Ruiz, left Waterloo and made a stop in Tobago on March 2nd before setting sail for the islands. Ten days later, the men and their vessel remain missing.
TTT News spoke with the captain of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team, Vallence Rambharat, who has been actively pursuing the matter.
“The Hunters Search and Rescue Team continues to be in contact with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Tobago fisherfolk and fisherfolk from Grenada. Thus far, nothing has been found with respect these two sailors who were hired to transport this newly built boat from Waterloo, Trinidad, to Union Island in St. Vincent.”
Mr. Morgan and Mr. Ruiz reportedly made a stop at Buccoo beach in Tobago for refuelling en route to Grenada. After leaving Grenada, the men were expected to make their way to Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“We’ve been able to be in contact with a Tobago fisherman who assisted them with their mechanical difficulties while they were in Buccoo, Tobago, and eventually they made their way to Parlatuvier and turned into the open Atlantic waters to make the trip to Grenada. Despite surveillance aircraft by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, and by our members in Tobago. Thus far, nothing has been found.”
Mr. Rambharat said he has been in communication with Grenadian fishermen, as well as the sailors’ wives. From their investigations, both men were experienced boat operators.
“When I spoke to the gentleman from England who commissioned the building of the boat and whose nephew was supposed to get the sailors, they indicated to me that these two sailors had tremendous fishing experience, and that is why they were hired. So that you know we highly suspect that they were using two used engines on the newly built boat. They were having difficulties with these engines, and we highly suspect that they suffered mechanical problems with the engines while en route to Grenada.”
Mr Rambharat said the Hunters Search and Rescue Team remain optimistic.
“It’s been a while and at some point in time you know the search will have to stop. I am trying my best to keep the search going and that is why I am reaching out to the folks in Grenada in Tobago, to try to keep them active in terms of being vigilant when they are out at sea to see if they could spot any boats that is en route.”
The men and the pirogue were expected to arrive in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on March 2nd.