[UPDATED] 33 Venezuelans feared drowned, heading to Chaguaramas

File photo: Coast Guard vessel
File photo: Coast Guard vessel

AT least 33 Venezuelans are feared drowned after their boat got into difficulties while headed to Chaguaramas on Tuesday.

The TT Coast Guard have been informed of the incident and are working with their Venezuelan counterparts in search and rescue. The boat, Yonaili José, a ten-metre fishing boat, is believed to have sunk while in Venezuelan waters.

According to a Venezuelan news agency, Tenemos Noticias, the boat, loaded with 35 people and their belongings, left the port of Las Salinas in Güiria on April 23 headed to the immigration port at Crews Inn, Chaguaramas.

The report added that two people were rescued: the captain Francisco Martinez and passenger Yusmari Lezema. Martinez told the Guardia Nacional, according to Tenemos Noticias, that the passengers used the fuel oil pumps to keep themselves afloat, but they were at the mercy of strong sea currents.

It was reported that the captain set sail without an official list of passengers and was carrying more than the recommended weight.

The names of the crew obtained by the Guardia Nacional are:

1.- Yoselis Rojas.

2.- Zulma Patinez.

3.- Yusmaris Patinez.

4.- Melani Patinez.

5.- Deique Marin.

6.- Luisa Marin.

7.- Frank Hernández.

8.- Julio Pacheco.

9.- Ender Blanco.

10.- Julio Carrion.

11.- Carmen Larez.

12.- Estefani Flores.

13.- Sariana Lopez.

14.- Ruz Patinez.

15.- Yubrelin Merchan.

16.- Daniamis Medina.

17.- Angélica Mata.

18.- Anabel

19.- Oriana Diaz.

20.- Yenkaris Sifontes.

21.- Yailyn Jiménez.

22.- Yusmari Lezama (Rescued)

23.-Francisco Martinez (Rescued)

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

AT least 33 Venezuelans are feared drowned after their boat got into difficulties while headed to Chaguaramas on Tuesday.

The TT Coast Guard have been informed of the incident and are working with their Venezuelan counterparts in search and rescue. The boat, Yonaili José, a ten-metre fishing boat, is believed to have sunk while in Venezuelan waters.

According to a Venezuelan news agency, Tenemos Noticias, the boat, loaded with 35 people and their belongings, left the port of Las Salinas in Güiria on April 23 headed to the immigration port at Crews Inn, Chaguaramas.

The report added that two people were rescued: the captain Francisco Martinez and passenger Yusmari Lezema. Martinez told the Guardia Nacional, according to Tenemos Noticias, that the passengers used the fuel oil pumps to keep themselves afloat, but they were at the mercy of strong sea currents.

It was reported that the captain set sail without an official list of passengers and was carrying more than the recommended weight.

The names of the crew obtained by the Guardia Nacional are:

1.- Yoselis Rojas.

2.- Zulma Patinez.

3.- Yusmaris Patinez.

4.- Melani Patinez.

5.- Deique Marin.

6.- Luisa Marin.

7.- Frank Hernández.

8.- Julio Pacheco.

9.- Ender Blanco.

10.- Julio Carrion.

11.- Carmen Larez.

12.- Estefani Flores.

13.- Sariana Lopez.

14.- Ruz Patinez.

15.- Yubrelin Merchan.

16.- Daniamis Medina.

17.- Angélica Mata.

18.- Anabel

19.- Oriana Diaz.

20.- Yenkaris Sifontes.

21.- Yailyn Jiménez.

22.- Yusmari Lezama (Rescued)

23.-Francisco Martinez (Rescued)

According to Venezuela-based reporter of Noticerio Digital Nayrobis Rodriguez, a total of eight people have been rescued so far, increasing the number up rescue numbers from two. Of the eight, are two women and one man who were included in the aforementioned list.

They were rescued by the coast guard, Venezuela fishermen and the Guardia Nacional.  She said the Guardia Nacional does not have boats which are able to rescue them from the specific area.  They are therefore depending on the assistance of fishermen.

Comments

"[UPDATED] 33 Venezuelans feared drowned, heading to Chaguaramas"

More in this section