Coast Guard officials have launched a search for a La Brea fisherman who is presumed to be lost at sea, following reports his vessel was stolen by bandits who ordered him to jump into the waters.

The incident took place around 8:30pm on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard on Monday evening. 

The vessel has since been recovered- but there has not yet been any sign of the victim. 

Another man, who was also a victim of the robbery, managed to make it ashore. 

“The TTCG dispatched a vessel to search the area where the incident occurred for the missing fisherman and his vessel. At this time information reaching the TTCG indicates that the missing vessel has been recovered, however, searches are continuing for the missing man,” a statement from Coast Guard Officials revealed. 

“The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard remains committed to serving the needs of the public of Trinidad and Tobago by providing maritime security in the face of the threat of Covid-19 to maintain the safety and security through the conduct of maritime security patrols within our area of maritime operations,” it added.