Pirate attack on yacht off Trinidad’s north coast

(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) is investigating an attempted piracy attack reported north-east of the Hibiscus platform, off Trinidad’s north coast on Sunday.

The Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT) stated that a 55-foot Beneteau sail boat was approached by a vessel allegedly carrying eight Venezuelan men at around 10.30am.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Tommy Johnson, acting president of the YSATT stated the vessel, Sylph, was positioned north east of the Hibiscus platform when it was approached by a group Spanish-speaking men. “The Yacht refused to stop and in heavy seas and high wind took an evasive zig zag course preventing them from boarding. Due to the fact that they were unable to board they abandoned their plans,” he stated. The men, however, fired several shots at the sailboat as they left. No one was injured but the vessel was damaged.

“Sylph is now in Port Louis Grenada meeting with the Coast Guard and officials. TTCG is in contact with the Grenada CG and will be meeting with YSATT tomorrow,” the post stated. Johnson advised that anyone travelling in or out of Trinidad waters should file a “float plan” with the TTCG and call north post radio station. And if possible, he said, travel in a convoy.