Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Candacy Phillip, the wife of Well Services rigger Pete Phillip, says she is hoping that 2026 will bring less pain and more closure as she continues to live with the anguish of knowing her husband’s remains are still at the bottom of the sea.
Phillip, 45, of La Romaine, was reported missing after the collapse of Rig 110, operated by Well Services Petroleum Ltd, in Heritage Offshore East Field just days before Christmas last year.
Speaking with Guardian Media, Candacy said she has been trying to keep life as normal as possible for her children during the Christmas season, despite the heavy grief hanging over the family.
“It was hard to make it a little jolly for them, but deep down they are in pain because they need closure,” she said.
On Christmas morning, Candacy said she pushed herself to be strong.
“I cooked, played a little music, and the kids opened their gifts. I try my best for them,” she recalled.
But she said, despite her best efforts, the sadness returned. “The saddest moments are when the kids are asleep. Sometimes I wake up and realise this is normal now. I know he wouldn’t come back, and it is sad.”
Candacy was pregnant at the time of her husband’s death and later gave birth to their fifth child, Javon, now nine months old. She said survival became her focus. Saying she prays constantly for closure, Candacy admitted the loss has affected the children deeply, particularly at school, where reminders of their father’s death have surfaced.
“My big daughter said other children bring the newspaper with her father’s picture and show her. They have their ups and downs, but they’re managing,” she said.
As the new year approaches, Candacy said her priority remains closure. “Once we get that, I think we can push through better.” She recalled how devoted Phillips was to his job and how he would work double shifts when other employees called in sick.
Two weeks ago, Minister in the Ministry of Energy Ernesto Kesar confirmed that charges have been laid under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act in relation to the collapse of Rig 110. Kesar said the OSH Authority had completed its investigation and had charged the companies involved.
Kesar also confirmed that specialised equipment needed to resume recovery operations has arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, and efforts to retrieve Phillip’s remains are expected to resume shortly.
Kesar said the incident continues to be a tragic situation as he extended condolences and support to the family.
