THREE (3) Erin Fishermen Kidnapped In Venezuela — Over US $100,000 Ransom Demanded
UPDATE (16/11/25): According to reports, one of the kidnapped fishermen, Daniel Abraham, returned home last night (Saturday 15th November, 2025), after his family reportedly paid a portion of the ransom demanded by the kidnappers. The fate of the other fishermen remains unknown at this time. While Abraham is now back in Trinidad, the remaining men are believed to still be held in Venezuela by the kidnappers.
Three (3) fishermen from Erin have been reportedly kidnapped for ransom in Venezuela. Reports state the alleged abductors made contact with relatives of the fishermen earlier this week, claiming the men were taken shortly after arriving in Venezuela by fishing boat. Relatives say the captors are demanding more than US $100,000 for their release. However, Erin fisherman Winton Taitt said US $18,000 was later demanded instead.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear. Their disappearance comes at a time when United States forces have launched a series of airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels operating in waters between Trinidad and Venezuela.
A disturbing cellphone video has emerged showing a pair of the fishermen, one identified as Daniel Abraham, tied up and being beaten in Venezuela. One of the men is seen crying out in pain and begging for the ransom money to be sent, as blows were being inflicted on both men. The video was sent to Abraham‘s family as proof of life and part of the ransom demands, intensifying fears for him and the other kidnapped fishermen. Abraham’s mother, Trisha Hart, questioned why Abraham left to fish with two (2) men he barely knew.
Officers of the Erin Police Station say they have no official report on the matter.
Erin fishermen said they were concerned, especially since tensions are escalating over ongoing U.S. airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
The disappearance of the fishermen also follows a warning months earlier from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who said that nationals involved in illegal activity in Venezuelan waters would receive no State intervention if detained. She made it clear that “if they are caught, they’re on their own.” The Prime Minister had also stated “no amount of family crying on Ian’s [Crime Watch] program will cause us to intervene.”
To date, no missing persons report or Police complaint has been filed, and relatives and community members are calling on the Government and Venezuelan Ambassador Alvaro Sanchez Cordero to intervene.
Investigations are continuing.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: CNC3]
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