Father of 6 feared dead following boat collision in Aruka River

A father of six is feared dead after the boat he was operating reportedly crashed into another vessel along the Aruka River in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Sunday.

Missing is 25-year-old Terry LaCruz of Mabaruma, Region One. Based on information received, LaCruz reportedly crashed into another boat that was at the time being operated by his father, Percy Thomas.
Speaking with this publication, Thomas explained that his son was speeding along the river when he ended up crashing into him.
As a result of the impact, LaCruz’s small boat broke into pieces and he fell overboard.
Thomas said he, his wife and two daughters were heading home from church when the accident occurred. He explained that it was upon reaching his destination, they observed a boat approaching them at a fast rate of speed.
“I normally [come] from church and I normally call a boat to come [to] collect me to carry me back home right and while we [were] heading home, I was almost reaching my landing and we see this boat speeding coming down and we shine up the light and give them [a] signal but [like he didn’t see it] …and he come and slam straight into our boat,” Thomas told this publication.
“All we hear is the impact and we didn’t see anything else,” he added. Shortly after, the family then realised that the boat was LaCruz’s.
Thomas and his family suffered no injuries. Meanwhile, a search party continues to look for the missing man. LaCruz was described as a very willing and hardworking person.