BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE Ministry of Defence in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday provided an update on the rescue of five of the six Vincentian fishermen who went missing at sea while plying their trade.
According to a media statement, the Ministry said the five surviving crew members of the vessel MV ST. VINCENT VII were transferred from the MV MARVEL KITE to members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard at a rendezvous point at approximately 10:22 p.m. on July 22. They were then transported to the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal.
Upon arrival in St. Vincent, the survivors underwent initial medical assessments before being transported by ambulance to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for further examination and treatment.
The Ministry also confirmed that at approximately 11:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Anthony Murray was formally pronounced dead by Dr. Snaggs. His body was subsequently transferred to the hospital's morgue.
Officials added that once the surviving crew members are discharged from hospital, the Fisheries Department has arranged for them to be accommodated at the Cobblestone Hotel in Kingstown.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their assistance during the operation.
"The Government of Trinidad and Tobago wishes to express its gratitude to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for providing yeoman service and for all the courtesies and considerations graciously extended to us during this difficult time," the statement said.
The Ministry of Defence said it will provide further updates on arrangements for the return of the surviving crew members and the body of Murray in the coming hours.
