The families are suing for civil damages under a federal maritime law. The U.S. killed six alleged drug traffickers on a boat in international waters near Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Chad Joseph and Rishi Samarooo of Trinidad and Tobago were two of the six individuals killed in the strike, according to the suit. “On October 14, 2025, the United States government authorized and launched a missile strike against a boat carrying six people traveling from Venezuela to Trinidad. Joseph’s mother, Lenore Burnley, and Samaroo’s sister, Sallycar Korasingh, are “seeking compensation for the killing of Mr. Joseph and Mr. Samaroo, for the benefit of their beneficiaries,” the suit notes.