2337 – Attempted Piracy in Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad – Hibiscus Gas Platform
Incident Date: 2019-04-04 at 10:30
Event Type: Attempted Piracy
Stolen Items: None, not successful
Secured: N/A
Source Type: 1st Hand Report
Incident Details: CSSN PRELIMINARY REPORT : A 53′ Trinidad flagged monohull transiting from Trinidad to Grenada with 2 persons onboard was approached by 8 pirates in an open piroque at 10:30 AM, at approximate position 11-24N, 61-36W, about 16 miles NNE of the Hibiscus gas platform, and 37 miles south of Grenada.
The pirates 40 ft. boat had 2 large outboards, was white/blue with an orange bow and approached from the east. The pirates fired warning shots into the air and indicated they wished the yacht to stop. It did not. Additional warning shots were fired as the helmsman attempted to use the VHF radio, which he did not. High seas prevented the piroque from successfully approaching and boarding as the yacht maintained full speed and began zigzag maneuvers. Additional shots were then fired at the boat and helmsman, damaging the hull and coach roof, but no injuries were sustained.
The pirates gave up and fled the area at high speed to the west. Reports were made by the victims on arrival in Grenada to both Grenada and Trinidad/Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG).
Yachting Services Association Trinidad/Tobago (YSATT) indicates that TTCG are on “High Alert” and have added assets and increased patrols in the area. As the overall situation in nearby Venezuela is not expected to improve, plans are being formulated to form escort/convoys. Float plans filed with TTCG and North Post Radio remain the best method for communicating with officals there.
Additional details are expected and CSSN will update this report when they are received.