TTDF Soldier Drowns While On Duty At Three Pools, Blanchisseuse

A soldier attached to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) drowned on Thursday morning (17th September, 2026) while on foot-patrol at Three Pools, Blanchisseuse. The deceased has been identified as 36-year-old Corporal Renis Phillip, a twin of Point Ligoure, Point Fortin.

According to reports, Corporal Phillip was among four (4) members of the TTDF who left their post at the Blanchisseuse Community Centre and proceeded along a hiking trail towards Three Pools, around 9:30 AM.

However, while the group was attempting to cross the second pool, Phillip, who was leading, reportedly fell approximately eight (8) to ten (10) feet into the pool. He attempted to swim towards the river bank but got into difficulty while doing so.

The other soldiers tried to assist him by throwing straps for him to hold onto, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Several subsequent attempts were made to reach Phillip before he went underwater.

The soldiers then entered the pool and tried to retrieve him but encountered difficulties because of a strong current beneath the water.

After several further attempts, they were finally able to recover Phillip, who was unresponsive, and brought him to the Western bank of the pool.

A TTDF medic administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, Phillip remained unresponsive.

Members of the Santa Cruz Fire Service Search and Rescue team, assisted by a lifeguard, TTDF personnel and Police Officers, later removed Phillip’s body from the forested area. The body was taken from the vicinity of Spring Bridge, around 2:00 PM.

A District Medical Officer (DMO) was summoned, who pronounced Phillip dead and ordered an autopsy be performed at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mount Hope.

The Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) said in a Media Release that it “acknowledges reports concerning the death of one of our members, Corporal Renis Phillip, following an incident reportedly occurring at Three Pools, Blanchisseuse, on Thursday morning. The Regiment is deeply saddened by this reported loss and extends its sincere condolences to Corporal Phillip’s family, loved ones, friends and fellow members of the Force during this extremely difficult time.”

The TTR added, “The Regiment is currently liaising with the relevant authorities as efforts are undertaken to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We will allow the appropriate investigative processes to take their course and will not speculate on matters that have not yet been formally confirmed. The loss of a member of the Regiment is felt throughout our organization. Corporal Phillip was part of the Regiment family, and our thoughts remain firmly with his family and colleagues at this time.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The TTR respectfully asks members of the public and the media to exercise sensitivity and restraint, particularly regarding the circulation of unverified information and images, as the family and authorities navigate this difficult period. Further information will be provided when appropriate and as confirmed information becomes available.”

Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the tragic drowning of Corporal Phillip.

More on this as it becomes available.

[Source: Trinidad Express]

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