Captain surrenders after hit-and-run, remains in custody

Pomeroon boat collision

Thirty-four-year-old Tyrone Da Silva of Grant Lower, Pomeroon River, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), will soon face charges for causing the death of 29-year-old Ryan DeFreitas, who died as a result of multiple injuries he sustained from a boat collision on August 31.

The results of the autopsy which was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, on Friday at the Suddie Mortuary, revealed that the gold miner lost his life due to multiple injuries from the boat collision. DeFrietas was heading to Charity with two other passengers when he met his demise.

Meanwhile, Da Silva, who is the captain of the other boat involved in the collision, remains in Police custody. According to Police sources, Da Silva was under the influence of alcohol when he collided with the miner’s boat in the vicinity of Burn Bush Grant, Lower Pomeroon. A breathalyser test was conducted by detectives from G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands).

In addition to Da Silva being under the influence, information revealed that he failed to render assistance to passengers after the collision. Instead, it is alleged he ‘hit-and-run’, later surrendering to Police.

Wednesday night’s accident claimed the life of gold miner, Ryan DeFreitas, 29, called “Steppy” of Coven Garden, Lower Pomeroon. Information revealed that DeFreitas was driving his employer’s 40-horse powered engine boat heading South on the right bank of the Pomeroon River, while the other boat, driven by Da Silva, was heading North when the collision occurred.

The boat, which was captained by the now dead man, measured 18 feet in length and carried two other passengers – Felix DeFreitas and Ray Marks. They both received minor injuries from the collision. The deceased’s body was recovered by residents living in the Pomeroon River.

Da Silva’s boat was reportedly ferrying his wife Afeeza Amin and his three-year-old daughter. They also received minor injuries. The funeral of Ryan DeFreitas is scheduled for Sunday. The file concerning the accident has been dispatched by Police to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.