SCARBOROUGH – The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said on Friday 15 bodies believed to be Venezuelan nationals had been discovered on a vessel, which was found off the coast of Pembroke.
“All bodies are in an advanced state of decomposition,” TEMA said in a statement. “They appeared to be male, African descent and wearing track suits and green rain jackets.”
TEMA said the retrieval of bodies were done adhering to “all necessary precautionary measures” and that “the public is advised that this area is still a no-access area until further notice, as an investigation is ongoing”.
The agency said that the bodies are being removed and carried to the Scarborough Mortuary.
TEMA said further information will be provided as the situation progresses.
Venezuelans have been fleeing their country as a result of the political and economic conditions there and illegally entering Trinidad & Tobago.
(CMC)
