2059 – Attempted Piracy in Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad – Hibiscus Gas Platform
Incident Date: 2016-06-25 at 11:59
Event Type: Attempted Piracy
Stolen Items: None
Secured: N/A
Source Type: 2nd Hand Report
Incident Details: In the absence of a firsthand report CSSN has compiled information from multiple credible second hand sources, who spoke directly with the involved captain in Trinidad. A 65 ft. sailing yacht with 3 persons on-board on passage to Trinidad encountered what were felt to be probable "pirates" during daylight hours. The yacht's position was 2-5 miles east of the Hibiscus platform, and its sails would likely have been visible for 10-12 miles. A pirogue with 5-6 Spanish speaking men made multiple rapid approaches to the yacht, and began yelling (about fuel). One of the men in the pirogue appeared to have a holstered gun at his waist. The yacht captain began multiple evasive maneuvers and had crew "pose" as though they themselves were armed while visibly appearing to make VHF radio contact with TT Coast Guard, North Post radio and the Hibiscus platform itself. The emergency VHF radio calls were not answered. After about 15 minutes the pirogue gave up chase and departed to the west. The yacht continued onto Trinidad. No float plan had been filed with TTCG; it is unclear if any official reports have been made. CSSN will update this report if additional information becomes available.