Family clings to hope as Guyanese fisherman falls overboard in Surinamese waters

A family of Whim Village is appealing for intensified search and rescue efforts after 54-year-old fisherman Permaul Punsammy who went missing while at sea during a fishing operation off Suriname. Punsammy, with more than three decades of experience, was reported missing the night of December 19, while working on a drift seine fishing vessel in the vicinity of the Coppename River. At the time of the incident, he was part of a four-man crew operating late at night. Relatives said Punsammy left Guyana on November 26 as part of a scheduled “double trip” and was expected to return after transporting the catch to Nickerie, Suriname. However, while carrying out fishing operations near the river on Friday night, Punsammy reportedly fell overboard and has not been seen since.
His brother, Gordon Punsammy, told this publication that his sibling has been a fisherman for approximately 32 years and was well accustomed to the demands and risks of working at sea. He explained that the vessel was crewed by a captain and three workers, including Permaul, when the incident occurred. Gordon said the family last heard from Permaul during the fishing run and became alarmed when word came that he had disappeared during night operations. Since then, there has been no sign of him. Officials in both Guyana and Suriname have been alerted to the incident, and the family is urging for broader coordination and assistance in the ongoing search. As the holiday season approaches, relatives say they are praying for a miracle, that Punsammy will be found alive and returned safely.
The family is urging anyone with information, or vessels operating in the area, to remain vigilant and report anything that may assist in locating the missing fisherman. Police in Guyana and Suriname continue to be alerted as the search remains ongoing.