The THA Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development has responded to a video circulating on social media.
In the video, a reef tour operator claimed that Coast Guard officers boarded his vessel armed with guns and refused to provide further details.
The Division said over the Easter weekend, a joint patrol was conducted involving the Division’s Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. They explained that the owner of the vessel registered TL504 was warned multiple times about his non-compliance with Marine Park regulations. The vessel’s captain reportedly failed to present vessel registration, captain’s license, and insurance. The release added that the vessel appeared to be carrying more passengers than its legal capacity.
The Division explained that security officials were left with no choice than to board the vessel and escort it back to the Buccoo Jetty.
Last week, Secretary for the Division Nathisha Charles-Pantin said increased patrols were imminent as refurbishments were conducted on a marine park patrol vessel, Safari II.