Freelance photographer dies after boat capsizes in Pomeroon River

– President meets grieving family

A freelance photographer who is also attached to a local radio station in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) met his demise on Tuesday after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the Pomeroon River.

Dead is 48-year-old Trevor Patrick of Charity, Essequibo Coast. At the time of the accident, Patrick and five other media personnel including President Irfaan Ali’s Communications Officer Dhanash Ramroop, and two cameramen – Keon Blades and Jose Cheddi were also in the boat.
The President had travelled to the area to assess the flooding situation. Also on the outreach was Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI), Edward Layne.
During a brief telephone conversation, Layne related that the President and a team had visited flood-affected villages in the lower Pomeroon area and were heading back to Charity when the boat that was carrying the President’s Press Team and others suddenly came into contact with something in the water and flipped.
“We don’t know what the boat came in contact with but upon seeing this, the other boats including the one transporting the President went to the aid of the passengers… all the media personnel were rescued and taken to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where they were checked but unfortunately, Patrick died while doctors were trying to resuscitate him.”

Layne further stated that the others in the boat were unhurt but as a precautionary measure, they were taken to receive additional medical attention.
“They are more traumatised and we could understand…It was a frightening situation…” the DPI Director added.
However, after the accident, President Ali along with the Agriculture Minister and other officials met with the deceased’s wife and two daughters and offered their regrets and whatever assistance is needed.
“We will be in contact with the family and provide the necessary support to them… we know it is tragic and we continue to pray with the family,” Layne noted.
In addition, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has expressed sadness at the untimely death of Patrick and extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, friends and the entire media fraternity.

“Today’s news of the tragic accident has left the AFC and the nation in shock and mourning. This incident and other recent boat mishaps in our rivers bring into focus the need to re-examine our safety protocols and regulation, including the licensing regime and the competence of boat captaincy,” the AFC stated.
Further, the party stated that it is thankful for the safe return of the other media personnel and boat hands aboard during the accident and wishes them a speedy recovery.
“As consumers, we seldom pay attention to the great risks reporters and camerapersons put themselves at to satisfy our need for information. Yet, to them, we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. We will surely miss Trevor’s effort to ferret out the stories behind the story in his many pieces.”
Patrick’s body was subsequently taken to the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. An investigation into the fatal accident was launched.