TRINIDAD-Search intensifies for missing fishing crew after vessel fire.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: An urgent appeal has been issued for regional authorities and the maritime community to intensify search-and-rescue efforts for six fishermen whose vessel caught fire at sea five days ago.

Governments, coast guards, maritime agencies and commercial vessels operating in waters between Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil are being asked to assist in locating the St Vincent VII, which has been without power or communication since the fire.

The vessel departed Chaguaramas on July 6 with a six-member crew employed in the yellowfin tuna fishing industry. Four of the crew are Trinidad and Tobago nationals, while the others are a Vincentian and a Guyanese captain, Eshwar Persaud, also known as “Shanie”.

According to relatives, the fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. (local time) on July 13 while the vessel was operating near the maritime border between Suriname and French Guiana. There has been no contact with the crew since then.

The vessel is believed to be disabled and drifting with prevailing winds and ocean currents in waters between Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil.

Amanda Suraj, the wife of crew member Shannon “Joey” Mohammed, appealed for immediate assistance from neighboring countries and vessels transiting the area.

She urged regional governments, maritime authorities, coast guards and international search-and-rescue agencies to expand search efforts and remain alert for any sign of the missing vessel or its crew.

The St Vincent VII, owned by Renata Enterprises Ltd, departed from the Tardieu Marine yard in Chaguaramas.

Relatives say they remain hopeful the crew will be found safely.