Rambharat: No failure by Coast Guard

AGRICULTURE Minister Clarence Rambharat says the search continues for two missing fishermen at Carli Bay, Couva and there is no report of any failure by the Coast Guard.

He was responding to an urgent question in the Senate yesterday from Opposition Senator Wade Mark, who asked what the Coast Guard was doing to assist the distressed seamen in light of reports that several lives could have been saved had the Coast Guard done a proper search in the area.

Rambharat said on behalf of the Government he wanted to express condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. He pointed out Carli Bay is a vibrant fishing area and any incident like this causes concern in the community and the Government.

"Without disrespecting the families, I want to say this question refers to reports that several lives could have been saved. And I want to say at this time the Government has no report, official or otherwise, which points to any sort of failure by the Coast Guard or any other arm of law enforcement."

Police said on Sunday afternoon six men from Beaucarro Road, Freeport, went fishing, as a sporting activity, but strong currents at sea caused their flat-bottomed boat to capsize and sink.

The men jumped out and were separated in the waters. The bodies of Chunilal Gyandass , 53, and his friend Ronald Narinesingh washed ashore on Monday morning.

Two of the men – Kumar Lalla, 49, and Glen "Dave" Prahalad, 32 – swam ashore on Sunday night.

Gyandass’ brother Siewnarine, 51, and Vinesh Marlo remain missing.

Rambharat yesterday said when the Coast Guard received the message it responded, but: "In the darkness which came upon the officers who were out there, it became difficult to continue the search."

He said the search continued early the next morning and yesterday Coast Guard vessels and aircraft continued to search for the two men who were still unaccounted for.

"In fairness to the families, we understand that they would be seeking the facts and they want to know exactly what happened, but at this time it is quite too early for the Government to say anything until the reports have been completed by the TT Coast Guard."

Mark asked if the minister was aware the incident took place on Sunday and the Coast Guard did not respond until Monday.

"Is the minister aware that the Coast Guard was very tardy in responding to the calls for help by the family?"

Rambharat said the Coast Guard responded by redirecting an available vessel and this was done on Sunday, not Monday.

Mark also asked if the minister was aware the vessel had to return to base because of lack of fuel.

"That vessel had to return, leaving the people in the sea stranded at the material time."

Rambharat replied: "In so far there is nothing factual in that, I find it impossible to reply, except to say that there is nothing in there that is factual. It is complete fiction."