The T&T Coast Guard is assisting police in the search for 28-year-old Judah Ramnarine who was kidnapped by Venezuelan pirates over a week ago.
Guardian Media understands that the Coast Guard is conducting frequent patrols of the nation’s waters in search of the pirates or the vessel “Maria” which was allegedly taken by the pirates.
Guardian Media also understands that the Ministry of National Security was contacted to engage Interpol in Venezuela and make them aware of the situation.
Leading the investigation and search is Sgt Vikash Putkoo of the Cedros district. On January 13, construction worker and fisherman, Judah “Flats” Ramnarine, of Mafeking Village, Mayaro, along with captain Dionne Murray and Keston Marchand from the Oropouche area, went on a fishing trip aboard the boat “Maria”.
Around 9 pm, however, four armed men, who were speaking Spanish, pulled alongside their vessel.
One of the armed men boarded the fishermen’s vessel and signalled to his accomplices to join him.
According to reports, Marchand and Murray jumped off and were rescued by a passing vessel around 7 am the next day.
They were taken to the Oropouche fishing bay and later made a report to the police.