Tobago haul-up

Publication: Daily Nation
Paper Section And Page: 3
Paper Date: Thu, Jun 10, 1999

TWO Barbadian captains were fined between them nearly BDS$10 000 after being caught fishing illegally in Tobagonian waters last week.

The fines, to be paid today, were imposed yesterday when the captains and their crew members appeared in a Tobago court.

Captain of X194 Sunfish, Anthony Durant, had with him a crew of two, while captain of Runaway 3 J12, Harvey Lorde, of Mangrove, in St. Philip, had as his mate Dave Coppin, of College Savannah, in St. John.

When the fishing boats were seized, their catch of hundreds of flying fish and dolphin was confiscated.

Runaway 3 J12 is owned by Richard Layne, of Newcastle, St. John, while the iceboat Sunfish X194 is owned by Marjoire Bourne, of Round Rock, Silver Sands, Christ Church.

Layne told the Daily Nation initial reports out of Trinidad and Tobago had indicated that the five men were in high spirits and anticipating a safe arrival back in Barbados.

It was the first time in five years, Layne said, that skipper Lorde, now at the helm of a spanking new 44-foot, $265 000 boat, had been in "this unfortunate situation".

Bourne, a boat owner for several years, said the Sunfish crew had developed mechanical problems and drifted into Tobago waters.

According to Bourne, several attempts had been made by the crew to get help, but to no avail. Repairs are to be carried out to the $250 000 Sunfish while it is in Trinidad and Tobago.

Both fishing vessels are due return to the island tomorrow.