Two persons were reported missing after a boat capsized in the Essequibo River on Saturday. The mishap occurred sometime between 18:45h and 19:00h in the vicinity of Calf Island, Essequibo River.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was captained by 34-year-old Jermin Blackman of Two Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), along with his bowman, 18-year-old Lamuel Allen of Four Miles, Bartica.
It was also reported that apart from the two boat operators, there were 10 passengers in the vessel including popular entertainer, Darrel Romeo called “DJ Magnum”.
Blackman reported to Police that sometime between 18:45h and 19:00h, the vessel was loaded with the 10 passengers and left Parika Stelling en route to Bartica.
During the journey, the captain said that while navigating around a damaged Beacon which is about 100 feet east of Calf Island in the Essequibo River, the vessel collided with the beacon and in the process, it punctured and began to sink.
The captain said he attempted to sail to shore but the vessel sunk before reaching.
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.
Upon checking, two persons were unaccounted for and it is unclear as to whether all the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Survivors were taken to Bartica Regional Hospital to seek medical attention.
Police on Sunday said that a search party was dispatched to the area in search of the two persons. Both the captain and bowman are in custody assisting with investigations. (G9)
