UPDATE ON SEARCH FOR MISSING FISHING VESSEL ST VINCENT VII

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to closely monitor the search for the fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII (TT033040, IMO 8781973) and its crew, who have been reported missing off the coast of French Guiana.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of all persons aboard the vessel and continues to mobilise and coordinate resources, both nationally and regionally, in support of ongoing search and rescue efforts.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Fisheries Division received reports of a video being circulated which appeared to depict a fire aboard the vessel. At the time this information was received, no distress report had been made by the vessel’s operator.

Upon receiving the report, the Ministry immediately engaged the relevant national and regional agencies to facilitate an appropriate response. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the relevant authorities in French Guiana and CARICOM IMPACS were contacted, while the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard was deployed to conduct aerial search operations. Neighbouring countries were also alerted and requested to support the ongoing search efforts.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has since been coordinating a multi-agency response involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, with the objective of locating the vessel and bringing its crew safely home.

The Ministry of Defence continues to lead maritime and aerial search operations through the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs continues to liaise with counterparts in Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil to strengthen regional coordination and facilitate all possible assistance in the search and rescue operation.

The Government remains resolute in its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners and to utilising every available resource in support of efforts to locate the ST VINCENT VII and its crew.

At this difficult and uncertain time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families, relatives and loved ones of the crew. We recognise the profound anxiety they are experiencing as they await news of their loved ones and assure them that the search remains a matter of priority.

The Ministry will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

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