3 children die after boat collides with rock in Essequibo River

Three children lost their lives in the wee hours of Saturday after the boat in which they were travelling collided with a rock and sank in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Gun Village, Deep North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Dead are 12-year-old Lindra Joseph, three-year-old Norsha Ayaw, and one-year-old Newton Ayaw. The Ayaw children were from Parabara Village in Deep North Rupununi, while Lindra Joseph, who was from Karaudarnawa Village, was vacationing with the Ayaws.
At time of the tragic incident, the boat was being captained by Joseph Ayaw, who was transporting construction materials and gasoline from Parabara Village to Gun Village with three children and his wife as occupants.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the boat came in contact with a rock, causing it to sink; and as the adults desperately attempted to save the children, the gasoline spilled and ignited, burning to death Lindra Joseph and Newton Ayaw. Moreover, Joseph Ayaw and his wife sustained injuries as the boat in which they were travelling became completely submerged.
This publication understands that another boat that was behind Ayaw’s boat saw what had happened and went to their aid. Eventually the two adults were rescued, and the bodies of the three children were later found. The face, hands, feet, and other parts of three-year-old Norsha Ayaw’s body were eaten by piranhas beyond recognition.

The Ayaws are now grappling with the fact that the three children have perished.
The Police were later informed of the tragedy, and an investigation has been launched. This incident has definitely left the village in a state of shock.
Meanwhile, the three children were laid to rest on Sunday. Close family members, friends, and members of the community gathered to bid them a final farewell and to console the grieving family, who are still in disbelief.