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One Venezuelan died and two others are missing after a boat carrying smuggled copper capsized off the coast of Trinidad, authorities reported on Sunday. Source: infobae
The victim was identified as Julio López, who drowned on Saturday in the Boca de la Serpiente, a 10-km stretch of water known for dangerous currents. Source: elnacionalve The boat, a pirogue, was transporting copper from Trinidad to Venezuela when it overturned due to strong waves, according to Captain Vallence Rambharat of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team. Source: infobae One survivor, Nikol Landaeta, was rescued. Search operations continue with the Coast Guard, Defense Force, volunteers, and local fishermen.
The sinking highlights the illicit copper trade, with Trinidad set to end copper exports in July 2027 to curb organized crime funding. Source: elnacionalve Smugglers are using remote beaches to avoid increased Coast Guard patrols around Icacos and the Gulf of Paria. Source: infobae Geological changes from recent earthquakes in Venezuela may be further complicating crossings.
Last week, another boat with 29 people capsized en route from Trinidad to Venezuela, killing two Venezuelans: Edwin Parra and six-year-old Brithanny Linneth Yanett León Palacios. Source: elnacionalve
“Las autoridades trinitenses identificaron a la víctima como Julio López, quien murió ahogado tras el accidente el sábado en la Boca de la Serpiente”
“El capitán Vallence Rambharat, jefe del Equipo Hunters de Búsqueda y Rescate, dijo a EFE que la información preliminar indicaba que la embarcación transportaba un cargamento de cobre desde Trinidad hacia Venezuela cuando volcó debido al fuerte oleaje”
“Los equipos de búsqueda, integrados por la Guardia Costera de Trinidad y Tobago, personal de la Fuerza de Defensa, rescatistas voluntarios y pescadores locales, continuaron rastreando la costa”
“La semana pasada, otra embarcación que transportaba a 29 personas, se volcó saliendo de Trinidad con destino a Venezuela. Dos venezolanos, Edwin Parra y la niña de seis años Brithanny Linneth Yanett León Palacios, murieron ahogados.”