Caribbean, Trinidad Hibiscus Oil Platform: Pirates fire shots at sailboat

Published: 2019-04-15 00:00:00
Countries: Venezuela , Trinidad & Tobago , Grenada

The following preliminary report on this incident has been reported by CSSN

DATE: 2019-04-14 10:30
Country Name:Trinidad/Tobago
Location Detail: Trinidad Hibiscus Gas Platform
EVENT: Attempted piracy
HAND: 1
Stolen Items: None, not successful
SECURED: N/A

DETAILS:

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 manoeuvres. 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 officials there.

Additional details are expected and CSSN will update this report when they are received.

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This is a NOTICE FROM YSATT reporting the same incident as detailed above:-

"About 10.30 today April 14th, Sylph, a 55 ft Beneteau sail boat positioned about 15 nm NE of the Hibiscus oil platform was approached by a group of 8 Venezuelans in an attempted piracy attack. 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 and left but fired several shots at the sailboat. No one on board was injured , the boat suffered several bullet holes.
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.
As further details become available we will keep everyone informed.
Meanwhile : Please FILE A FLOAT PLAN with the TTCG and call North Post Radio station if you are traveling in or out of Trinidad. Travel in a convoy if possible.

Tommy Johnson
Ag President
YSATT"

‏Source www.noonsite.com