Faris Al-Rawi Denies Minor Operated Boat Involved in Chaguaramas Collision, Confirms Police Cooperation
Attorney-at-law Faris Al-Rawi has categorically denied allegations that a minor was operating a vessel involved in Sunday's boating collision off Chaguaramas, Trinidad, while confirming that he represents several individuals connected to one of the boats involved in the incident.
Speaking publicly about the November 8 collision, which left several people missing and others injured, Al-Rawi said his clients were cooperating fully with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and had already provided statements to investigators.
His comments come amid widespread social media speculation, including allegations that a child was operating one of the vessels at the time of the collision.
Al-Rawi Rejects Allegations Involving Minor
Addressing those claims directly, Al-Rawi was emphatic in his denial.
"There is absolutely no truth. Let me repeat this, absolutely no truth to the involvement of any minor conducting any boat," he stated.
He described the allegation as completely untrue and insisted that the vessel involving his clients had been properly managed.
Al-Rawi further cautioned members of the public against circulating unverified allegations involving children, particularly where photographs and identifying information about minors are concerned.
He warned that attacks against children based on allegations could have legal consequences if they crossed certain boundaries.
His statements represent a direct challenge to claims circulating online. However, the circumstances surrounding the collision remain the subject of a police investigation, and his account has not been independently established as the findings of investigators.
Clients Have Given Statements to Police
Al-Rawi confirmed that he had been retained to represent several individuals associated with a vessel he identified as the Bayesian.
He said those individuals had already attended the police and provided statements.
"My clients have already been to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and have given statements. They are fully cooperating with the TTPS," he explained.
According to the attorney, his clients also rendered assistance at sea following the collision.
He maintained that they remained available to investigators and were complying with requests from law enforcement authorities.
Al-Rawi declined to discuss the circumstances of the collision in detail, explaining that he did not wish to compromise his professional responsibilities to those he represents.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
When questioned further about his clients' interactions with investigators, Al-Rawi reiterated that they were participating fully in the investigative process.
He acknowledged that investigations involving incidents of this nature can involve several procedures, potentially including coroner's inquests.
However, he did not disclose specific investigative findings or provide a detailed account of how the collision occurred.
His comments do not establish who was operating either vessel, whether any offences were committed, or which circumstances contributed to the collision.
Those questions remain matters for the relevant authorities to investigate.
Attorney Expresses Sympathy for Missing Persons' Families
Beyond addressing the allegations, Al-Rawi expressed concern for the families and friends of those affected by the tragedy.
He noted the young ages of some of the people involved and acknowledged the considerable distress being experienced by relatives awaiting news of their loved ones.
He extended prayers and positive thoughts to the families, expressing hope that those still missing would be reunited with their loved ones.
Al-Rawi said his clients shared those sentiments and remained committed to assisting the authorities.
Public Urged to Avoid Speculation
The attorney's intervention comes as social media continues to feature competing accounts and allegations about the Chaguaramas collision.
His categorical denial regarding a minor operating a vessel is particularly significant given the attention those allegations have attracted.
However, while Al-Rawi has presented his clients' position, an official determination of the circumstances surrounding the collision remains outstanding.
For the families awaiting answers, the immediate priority remains the search for missing loved ones and the hope that investigators can establish exactly what happened on the water that evening.