Survivor recounts Pigeon Point boat crash that injured nine people

A woman injured in a boat collision near Pigeon Point, Tobago, has described fearing for her life after being thrown into another vessel during what was meant to be a wedding anniversary outing.

Nine people were injured in the September 20 collision, including four foreign nationals.

The survivor, a Venezuelan national who operates a bar in San Fernando, suffered fractures to her skull and vertebrae, while her husband sustained a broken leg.

She said the group had hired a boat to celebrate a friend’s wedding anniversary and had visited No Man’s Land and Nylon Pool before the collision occurred.

Recalling the moments after the impact, the woman said she regained consciousness inside a vessel that was taking on water and initially struggled to speak.

She said hearing her husband’s voice helped her respond as those around them attempted to assist the injured.

The survivor praised staff at Scarborough General Hospital for the treatment and care she received following the crash.

Dr Ian Roopnarine, who happened to be at the beach at the time, also assisted lifeguards and nurses with assessing and stabilising injured passengers before they were taken for further medical treatment.

The collision has renewed discussion about marine safety around Tobago’s popular recreational boating areas.

Tour operator Michael Frank has proposed the establishment of a no-wake zone as one possible measure to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

Police have launched an investigation into the collision.

While concerns have been raised about the operation of vessels in the area, claims that excessive speed or negligence caused the crash have not been established by investigators.