Brazilian national feared dead after boat mishap in Cuyuni River

A Brazilian national is missing and feared dead following a boat mishap in the Cuyuni River on Wednesday. 

The missing man has been identified as Jose De Ribamar Lisboa Silva. The incident occurred at about 14:30h, near the Akabusa/Fumbler Falls.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said at about 14:00h, Rondel Khan, a 35-year-old miner from Bartica, prepared his wooden boat, powered by a 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine, for a journey into the Cuyuni River.

According to the GPF, as the boat climbed the Akabusa/Fumbler Falls, its engine suddenly shut off, causing the vessel to drift back down the falls and flip over.

The force of the water threw the passengers and cargo overboard, and everyone tried to swim to safety. Despite these efforts, Silva went missing and was not found despite thorough searches of the area.

After the mishap, two survivors managed to catch another passing boat and continued their journey. Khan and James Bacchus returned to Bartica Police Station to report the incident.

Authorities have taken statements from the involved parties, and Bacchus is currently in custody, assisting with the investigation.