Caribbean Airlines pilot rescued in Maraval kidnapping operation

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A Caribbean Airlines (CAL) pilot kidnapped last Wednesday was rescued alive on Sunday following a police operation in Maraval, on the outskirts of the capital.

Daniel Kawall, 59, was taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities confirmed. Details of the rescue operation have not been fully disclosed, but police said it was led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) with critical support from the Coastal and Riverine Unit and other tactical teams.

During the operation, one suspect was killed, while two others were arrested after allegedly using Kawall’s bank card to withdraw cash from an ATM early Sunday.

Kawall, a resident of Valsayn North who operates a business in Piarco, was last seen on Wednesday. His Toyota Hilux was reportedly spotted in Cascade that night, where residents said they heard screams coming from the vehicle.

On Friday, kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of TT$1 million, triggering an intensive manhunt that culminated in his rescue.