With more than 24 hours having passed, the Paria Fuel Trading Company says it is continuing its operation with respect to the four missing LMCS Limited contractors following an incident on Friday.

The contractors went missing while conducting an underwater maintenance exercise at #36 Sealine riser on Berth #6 at Paria, Pointe-a-Pierre.

They have been identified as Fyzal Kurban, Rishi Nagassar, Yusuf Henry, and Kazim Ali Jr.

A fifth man was rescued on Friday, Christopher Boodram, who remains at hospital.

Energy Minister Stuart Young, who returned to the country yesterday, announced earlier today that he was on his way to visit the family members of the missing men.

“I am at Paria’s facilities where I have received a briefing on what may have taken place leading up to the accident with the underwater divers and the current operations underway. I am now going to meet with the families of the missing divers. Our prayers remain with all involved,” Young tweeted on Saturday.

LMCS Limited is a service company contracted by Paria with over 30 years of experience in engineering design, procurement, marine construction, and land construction services, inclusive of diving-related underwater services and marine logistics support.

The divers who were engaged in this operation are all certified and have a total of over 30 years’ experience among them, Paria stated in its second statement on the matter Saturday.

“Operational scenarios were risk assessed and implemented and included the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (RoVs) and other technology. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and other subject matter experts were in support of this operation. All stakeholders continue to work assiduously in this support of this activity,” it said.

“Paria has also engaged the counselling service provider PEAPSL to be on standby to support of families and employees. Paria will work with LMCS Limited to address this situation,” the company added.