Human remains have been found onboard an unidentified vessel in local waters.

At this time however, the TT Coast Guard is attempting to relocate the vessel, after it was lost while being towed to the mainland.

The TTCG says around 2:22 PM yesterday, it received a report regarding the sighting of an unidentified vessel near the Cassia platform.

The boat appeared to contain the remains of five unidentified individuals.

Their cause of death is unknown.

Around 12:45am today, the Coast Guard patrol boat managed to secure a towline to the vessel, which proved challenging due to its deteriorated condition.

It says the patrol boat began towing the vessel toward mainland Trinidad, however around 4am in an area east of Mayaro, the

towline separated and the vessel subsequently disappeared from view.

The TTCG says despite hours of searching, the vessel could not be located.

It believes the boat may have sunk due to its severely deteriorated state and the prevailing sea conditions.

The vessel reportedly bears a striking resemblance to a vessel found off the coast of Tobago in May 2021, which had reportedly drifted from West Africa with migrants on board.

Based on these similarities, the TTCG believes it is reasonable to assume that the circumstances surrounding this case may be similar.

It is urging anyone with information or sightings of the vessel or related debris to contact to the Coast Guard Headquarters at 224-3324.