Latest news with #Trinidad
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE PIPELINE: The Coast Guard arrived with their guns and told us not to go inside - new Mail podcast explores how oil company blocked attempts to rescue men trapped inside underwater pipe
Podcast All episodes Play on Apple Spotify On the latest episode of the Mail's Pipeline podcast, reporter Isabelle Stanley investigates why efforts to rescue five men trapped in an underwater oil pipe were thwarted. In February 2022, five divers were sucked into a 30-inch pipe they were repairing off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. Despite one of the divers, Christopher Boodram, escaping after an unimaginable three-hour ordeal, rescue attempts for the remaining four were repeatedly blocked, leaving them to die slowly in what became a national scandal. Ronald Ramoutar, who was among the first on the scene, recounted his experience to Stanley on the six-part investigative podcast. Ramoutar was an experienced diver, who headed to the site of the accident as soon as he heard what had happened. Soon after arriving, he pulled Christopher Boodram out of the pipe, where he was waiting to be rescued, having fought his way back to the surface. The pipe was managed by Paria, one arm of Trinidad's state-owned oil company. Paria maintain it was too dangerous to send rescuers into the pipe to recover the trapped men. 'When we arrived at Berth 6, we were already in diving gear. They kept shouting at us – you do not have permission to enter the water', Ramoutar said. I went into the water anyway. Inside the pipe, I heard a voice calling – I climbed back out and saw Christopher. We took some rope, tied some loops in it, and managed to get him to climb up it like a ladder. That's how we got him out. 'We spoke to Christopher about what happened – he confirmed everyone was still alive and that they were in an air pocket.' Using a tapping system to communicate with the four divers still trapped underwater, Mr Ramoutar verified Christopher's story. Along with several other volunteer divers who had also arrived at the scene, Ramoutar devised a rescue plan. They decided that Michael Kurban, whose father was trapped inside the pipe would dive inside himself, to try and pull the others out. The tragedy sparked a national scandal in Trinidad, and billboards demanding justice still line street corners to this day. Listen here On his first attempt, Michael was forced to resurface, realising that his air hose, which he was breathing through, was not long enough to go around the bend in the U-shaped pipe. 'By the time Michael came up, Paria officials told us – the Coast Guard is coming to help', Ramoutar said. 'We were told to wait. We thought, 'Good – the Coast Guard has experienced divers.' They will assist us. We backed down and waited. 'They arrived and told us – we're not trained for this; we're not going down there. They wouldn't even go inside the chamber – the whole thing was a waste of time.' Just as they were preparing to try again on their own, the Coast Guard, under Paria's orders, blocked them from staging another rescue attempt. 'They told us we cannot go', Mr Ramoutar said. 'They each had an automatic weapon. 'They said in a firm voice more than once, don't go. They kept on saying it. We decided to back down.' Three days later, on Monday February 28th 2022, Paria began pumping out the bodies of the four divers from the pipe. Autopsies would later reveal that one of them may have been alive in those unimaginable conditions for up to 39 hours. To hear all the first-hand accounts from those involved in the desperate rescue effort, search for Pipeline now, wherever you get your podcasts.
Global News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Sip the season with aesthetic drinkware
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Like the finishing touch on a perfectly styled outfit, aesthetic drinkware adds character to every sip – whether you're unwinding solo or hosting a seasonal gathering. To help you raise your glass in style, we've curated a vibrant mix of designs that blend form and function, from timeless classics to playful, eye-catching pieces. Read on for aesthetic finds you don't want to miss. Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasses Channel the spirit of the roaring twenties with these ribbed Nick & Nora glasses – a nod to Art Deco elegance with a shape tailored for classic cocktails like the martini, sidecar, and Manhattan. Holding 5oz to the rim, they're equally suited for contemporary favourites, from a citrusy lemon drop to a bold Trinidad sour. $59.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Small cocktail glasses Set of 4 Delicately designed, these petite glasses will elevate any after-dinner digestif or a midday pick-me-up. Crafted from lead-free crystal and dishwasher safe, each set includes four glasses in two sizes. $30.00 at Simons Vintage Crystal Champagne Coupe Glasses Echoing the glamour of the Jazz Age, these vintage-inspired coupe glasses are perfectly sized for champagne or a classic cocktail – from a crisp martini to a bold Manhattan. Holding 6oz to the rim, they strike the right balance for 4–5oz pours with ice, making them an elegant essential for any home bar. Hand-blown from luxurious, lead-free crystal, each glass feels delicately light yet surprisingly durable – dishwasher-friendly for easy clean-up, without sacrificing grace. Tucked inside a 1920s-style gift box (complete with a few favourite cocktail recipes on the back), this set of six makes a thoughtful gift for weddings, anniversaries or stylish soirées. $59.99 on Amazon (was $66.99) Blume Cloud Mug White Cloud 9 mugs reimagine your daily latte with oversized handles and a sleek ceramic finish, making every sip feel like a little celebration. Microwave safe and best cared for with a gentle hand wash. $24.99 at Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Caffeinated beverages printed pillow case – $12.00 Ceramic Dinner Salad Plates – $55.32 Gold Cutlery Set – $79.99 Spice Drawer Organizer – $27.99 Ivory Table Runner – $17.99 Ribbed Glassware Vintage Drinking Glasses Iced coffee hits different in these elegant ribbed glasses – perfect as a thoughtful gift or a little luxury for yourself. $28.99 on Amazon Vintage Art Deco Blush Pink Coupe Glasses with Gold Rims Ready for the ultimate girls night? These blush pink coupes bring a flirty touch to every celebration. Perfectly shaped for bubbly champagne and espresso martinis, they hold a generous 7oz to the rim – just right for 5–6oz pours with ice. $59.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Unbreakable Whiskey Glasses Tough enough to take a tumble, yet refined enough for your finest bourbon – Bravario's shatterproof whiskey glasses are crafted from crystal-clear Tritan for a look that mimics glass without the worry. $45.99 on Amazon Glass Coffee Mugs Keep your coffee cozy and your fingers cool with these double-walled glass mugs. Light, lovely, and crystal clear. $35.3 on Amazon (was $39.22) Unbreakable Stemmed Wine Glasses Michley's stemless red wine glasses take a classic silhouette and reimagine it in crystal-clear Tritan, a virtually unbreakable material that looks like glass but performs like something far more durable. Designed with a generous bowl to enhance the aromas of full-bodied reds, they make swirling easy and elegant. Perfect for everything from outdoor picnics to poolside parties, these feather-light glasses are shatter-resistant, BPA-free, and safe for both kids and adults. $29.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Glass Hurricane Candle Holder – $66.98 Acacia Wood Cake Stand – $79.95 Cheese Board and Knife Set – $23.97
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brittany Cartwright shares steamy update on new beau... after mocking ex Jax Taylor's skills in the bedroom
Brittany Cartwright has found herself a new man, and she's sharing some racy details about their burgeoning romance. During an appearance last week on her former Vanderpump Rules costar Lala Kent 's podcast Give Them Lala, Brittany revealed that she had started up a casual new relationship. And on Tuesday, sources told Page Six that the 36-year-old star of The Valley is dating the singer and guitarist Will Gittens. The revelation comes a day after Brittany gave an update on her divorce from Jax Taylor — who sexual prowess she mocked last month — as the the proceedings continue to drag on. A video posted to the Instagram account of Will's music production studio showed Brittany with him after a concert in Los Angeles last month, which at least one of her costars reportedly joined her at. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the . View this post on Instagram A post shared by JB Entertainment (@jbentertainme) Though the two were only briefly spotted in the clip, the reality star boasted a wide smile as she and the musician chatted. So far, neither Brittany nor Gittens have commented on the alleged relationship. Earlier this year, Gittens — who reportedly hails from Trinidad — boasted about winning his first Grammy Award in an Instagram video. So far, Brittany hasn't named the artist as her new boyfriend, but they appear to have a social media connection, as they follow each other and have liked multiple of their posts. During her podcast appearance with Lala, she was reportedly speaking about Gittens. Cartwright admitted to 'having fun' with a new 'crush,' though she emphasized that it was 'nothing serious' at the moment. 'We'll see where it goes,' she said. It was Lala who urged Brittany to share more about her alleged new beau by saying, 'I like the guy who you fell straight on your a** out of the shower [with], and you guys laughed, and he still wanted to be with you after.' Brittany — who jokingly said she 'hate[d]' the host — went on to explain that she and the new man were taking a shower together 'butt naked' when she suddenly slipped as if she had stepped on a 'banana peel.' 'I went straight back, and he thought I was gonna hit my head,' she admitted. 'Oh, it was so embarrassing, but then the way that we laughed about it was so cute.' According to Brittany, Will attempted to grab her as she was falling, but despite his obvious compassion for her, she was still embarrassed that he saw her in a moment of awkwardness. Lala gave her thumbs up, adding, 'I like it. And I like him.' She said Gittens — who went nameless — was 'talented,' which Brittany heartily agreed with. But Lala seemed to sense that it was time to end the conversation before she 'spill[ed] way too much' about her friends new man. On Monday, Brittany appeared on The Nikki & Brie Show with Nikki and Brie Bella/Garcia, where she confirmed that she was dating 'a little bit,' which she gushed was going 'great.' She went on to say that she had been lacking 'attention' and 'affection' in her marriage to Jax 'for, like, a long time,' which led her confidence to crater, via Just Jared. 'Being made to feel beautiful again … really helped my confidence come back,' she declared. However, a source closer to her claimed to Page Six that she is 'not dating anyone,' and they said Will was 'just a friend.' Brittany went on to update her fans on how her divorce from Jax Taylor is proceeding. She said the divorce 'still has not been finalized yet,' though she hoped it would be resolved 'soon.' 'Just, you know, [Jax] waits 'til the last second for everything,' she claimed. She wondered aloud if her ex might be slowing down the proceedings in hopes that she would change her mind about the divorce. 'It's weird how he waited till the very last day to sign, you know, whenever I wanted to even get the process going,' Brittany shared. 'Waited 'til the very last day, messed up on all the paperwork, did all this stuff, and now it just seems like he just keeps doing stuff to prolong it.' One positive update was that her ex allegedly wasn't putting up much of a fight, 'but it's more like he's just not wanting it to be final, if that makes sense,' she said. 'It's weird. I don't know how I'm going to feel when it actually is final,' she said. 'It's 10 years I was with this guy, so I don't know if I'm going to be sad. I feel like I will have a sense of relief, but he is the father of my child, so like what's really going to change? You know? I don't know how it's going to be.' She added that parenting their four-year-old son Cruz was more difficult due to the resentments she had built up over the years against Jax, and her ex didn't make things any easier by allegedly wanting to 'start some weird argument' whenever he came over to spend time with their son. Brittany also revealed why she may have been coy about discussing her new romance. According to her, there's a clause in her and Jax's divorce paperwork dictating how their son can be introduced to either of his parents' new partners. 'We actually have it in our paperwork that unless you're in a serious relationship for at least six months, I would prefer like a year, but at least six months and we talk about it first, then nobody can be around Cruz,' she explained. 'I had to [do it], I had to protect [Cruz].'
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP says it's ready to implement code of conduct in South China Sea
An FA-50 of the Philippine Air Force flies over the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) as its officers stand dueing the flag-raising in the waters of Talampas ng Pilipinas, or Philippine Rise, on Monday, May 19, 2025. Northern Luzon Command photo The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday assured that it is ready to carry out any agreements reached in the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. In a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, responded to questions regarding the AFP's role in enforcing the code, which is currently under high level discussions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN). "Whatever comes out of the Code of Conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement," said Trinidad, underscoring the military's readiness to adapt to the outcomes of regional diplomatic negotiations. The COC aims to establish formal rules among claimant states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines and China, in order to avoid conflict and manage tensions in the disputed maritime territory. During the same briefing, Trinidad addressed a number of additional topics, including the future deployment of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific. When asked if it was the first time a Royal Navy aircraft carrier was sailing inside Philippine waters, the admiral replied, "The previous activity of the UK Navy was in 2021 when they sent their other aircraft carrier into the Indo-Pacific region." He also noted the AFP has submitted its position and demands for compensation related to equipment damaged in recent maritime confrontations. 'But again the Armed Forces of the Philippines has submitted its position and its demand for such payment on the cost of this equipment brought about by this incident during the (Rotation and Resupply or RORE missions),' he said, adding that further details should be deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs. —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
UK aircraft carrier to sail in Indo-Pacific as part of multi-national task force —PH Navy
The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09) before she departed for Operation Highmast. Royal Navy The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said that a multi-national task force centered around an aircraft carrier of the United Kingdom is expected to sail in the Indo-Pacific region to promote international order. In a press briefing, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the activity is under the Royal Navy-led Operation Highmast. 'The United Kingdom last month, April 25, set sail Operation Highmast centered on the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales joined by warships from Norway, Canada,and Spain,' he said. 'The objective here is to reinforce the alliances with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific Region and to support the international order, which is currently being attacked by one country that would like to change the international status quo,' he added. Trinidad said the eight-month deployment will cover the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific Region. According to him, multilateral exercises will be conducted during Operation Highmast. HMS Prince of Wales has an embarked air group that includes the F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fghters, anti-submarine helicopters, airborne early warning aircraft and accommodation for 250 Royal Marines. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." Beijing has refused to recognize the decision. —RF, GMA Integrated News
