Carenage fishermen: Boats secure as Beryl passes

FISHERMEN in Carenage and Cocorite said they were not worried about the safety of their boats during the passage of Hurricane Beryl, as they began planning to protect their vessels from as early as the morning of June 30.

Several fishermen told Newsday while the waves were rough, they have seen worse weather.

At the Cocorite Fishing Facility on July 1, several fishermen were liming, playing cards and cooking as they monitored their boats.

But Kelvin Cassie, a Cocorite fisherman, said he was slightly worried, as his boat was severely damaged during bad weather in 2021.

"I nearly lose my boat last time. It was nose down in the water and we needed a crane to get it out the water. I had to buy a new engine for $80,000 and then fix back the boat. So I ent playing this time."

But he said he feels comforted knowing that everyone at the facility looks out for each other.

At the Carenage Fishing Facility, fishermen said they began plans to secure their boats since June 30. Dozens of boats were on the shore and dozens more were anchored in shallow water and tied to trees.

One representative said the fishermen did everything they could to ensure their investments were protected.