Vincentian vessel First Chance drifts into Venezuelan waters

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard says that they continue to monitor the Vincentian vessel First Chance which overturned on the north coast of Trinidad on Saturday 2nd April 2022.

In attempts to tow the vessel into shallower and calmer waters, the vessel drifted into Venezuelan waters.

Details follow in this press release from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard:

In an earlier report, it was highlighted that the Vincentian flagged vessel First Chance overturned on the north coast of Trinidad on Saturday 2nd April 2022.

The TTCG SAR operation that ensued attempted to tow the vessel into shallower and calmer waters. However, due to the size and weight of the vessel, these attempts proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the vessel drifted some distance into Venezuelan waters. 

The TTCG has ensured that the vessel continues to be monitored in case any of the missing persons that may have been trapped on board is able to make their way out of the vessel and also as a safety precaution to prevent other vessels from colliding with it. However up to the current time, none of the missing persons have been seen or detected.

The drift of the vessel into Venezuelan waters has caused the TTCG to establish and maintain liaison with Venezuelan authorities to facilitate the presence a TTCG vessel alongside Fair Chance. 

On Sunday 3rd April 2022, the owners of the vessel, with the assistance of the TTCG, were able to arrange a tug boat which made its way into Venezuelan waters and rendezvoused with the TTCG vessel which was on watch with Fair Chance. 

At approximately 4pm on Sunday the Tug boat began slowly and carefully towing the Fair Chance back into Trinidad and Tobago waters. 

This operation is challenging and taking some time because the vessel is partially submerged whilst being upside down, sea conditions are rough, and the direction of the tow is against the predominantly western current. 

The intent is to take the vessel into calmer and shallower waters in the Gulf of Paria so that divers can commence searches inside of the overturned vessel.

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard remains dedicated to the continued provision of border security and other services to maintain safety and security of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago through the conduct of maritime safety and security patrols within our area of operations as well as any other area in which we are called upon to serve.