Bartica boat accident victims stable

– investigations still ongoing

Three children and the operator who sustained injuries in the boat accident at Goshen, Riverview, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) were reportedly in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Wednesday, after being flown there for emergency treatment.
Chairman of the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Gordon Bradford, who spoke to this publication, revealed that the children: Sheniele Machette, Cleaveloyd Edmonds and Iola Thornhill, are from Riverview, a small Amerindian community in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), but would cross the river daily to Bartica, to receive their schooling at the Bartica Secondary School. Persons would also visit Region 7 for other reasons, such as accessing health facilities.
Police ‘G’ Division Commander, Superintendent Kevin Adonis, noted that the operator of the vessel, 21-year-old Akiem Williams, had encountered some mechanical difficulties while crossing the river with the “David G” vessel, which led to the accident.
After the accident, an aircraft from Roraima Airways was immediately made available, and the injured persons were air-dashed to the Eugene F. Correia Airport at Ogle, ECD, from whence they were taken to the GPHC for treatment.
One of the students has sustained a spinal surgery, but, like the others, was considered stable on Thursday. This student was scheduled to write an examination in the coming months, but officials of the Education Department, paying her a visit, have advised that arrangements have been made for her to sit the exam at a suitable date after recovery. President David Granger has also visited the injured at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC, and has instructed that an investigation be launched into the accident. Bradford noted that the “David G” vessel was inspected by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) after the accident, and another vessel was used to transport the other students to school on Thursday morning. Chairman Bradford has commended the Roraima flight crew and persons within the area for their quick response in ensuring that the accident victims receive timely treatment at the GPHC.
Investigations into this accident are ongoing.