Boat captain feared drowned in Barama River accident

Police are investigating the suspected drowning of a boat captain following a river collision on Thursday at Barama River, Kokerite Village, North West District.

Initial enquiries indicate that a wooden balahoo, captained by a 24-year-old man from Grant Anna Regina, Lower Pomeroon River, collided with a small aluminium boat around 09:30hrs while travelling from Bamboo Landing to Charity with four passengers.

As a result of the collision, the two occupants of the aluminium boat fell into the river. One, a 23-year-old man from Kariako Village, was rescued and taken to Moruca District Hospital, where he remains under observation.

The captain of the aluminium boat, known only as “King,” did not resurface and is now presumed drowned.
Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing but have so far failed to locate the missing man.

The captain of the balahoo has been arrested and is assisting police with investigations. Both vessels and engines have been lodged as inquiries continue.