2 missing following Essequibo River mishap

Two persons are now missing following a boat mishap in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Calf Island on Saturday at about 18:45h and 19:00h.

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) reported that Jermin Blackman, 34, of 2 Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica was the vessel’s captain. At the same time, Lamuel Allen,18, a driver of Four Miles, Bartica, was the bowman.

Blackman claimed that the boat, which was loaded with 10 passengers, including popular entertainer Darrel Romeo called ‘Magnum,’ left the Parika Stelling en route to Bartica.

During the journey, the boat, while navigating around a damaged beacon, collided with it. As a result, the boat was punctured, which began to sink.

The captain said he attempted to sail to shore but the vessel sunk before reaching shore. Passengers began swimming to the shore for safety.

“Information was circulated, and public-spirited persons from Bartica went to the location and assisted in rescuing the survivors,” the CCU said.

Upon checking, two persons were unaccounted for, and according to the CCU, it is unclear whether all the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

Notwithstanding, survivors were taken to Bartica Regional Hospital to seek medical attention and are being assessed.

A search party is currently in the area making checks for the two persons who are feared drowned. Both the captain and bowman are in custody, assisting with investigations.