Man missing after ‘balahoo’ sinks in Mazaruni River

An Essequibo Coast man has gone missing following a river mishap on Tuesday night after the ‘balahoo’ he and two others were travelling in, sank in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The missing man has only been identified as “Rasta” or “Mark” of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).  No other particulars about the victim were provided up to press time.
The accident reportedly occurred at about 20:40h on Tuesday near a waterfall at Middle Mazaruni River.
Based on Police reports, 32-year-old Shojhi Roberts, a Ranger of Isseneru village, Middle Mazaruni River, had borrowed the village’s wooden ‘balahoo’, which was powered by a 75 Yamaha horsepower outboard engine. He later left with Mark Benn and “Rasta” – the missing man – for Apaiqua Landing, located about five minutes away.
However, it was reported that whilst navigating the river near a ‘waterfall’ in the area, the boat collided with a rock, causing the occupants to be flung out of the vessel and into the river.

The ‘balahoo’ sank, and the captain of the boat, along with one of the occupants, Mark Benn, managed to swim to shore. However, “Rasta” was not seen. An alarm was raised, and checks were made in the area for him, but this effort proved futile.
The matter was reported to the Police, and ranks and villagers formed a search party, which is presently ongoing for the missing person.
Shojhi Roberts is currently in Police custody as the investigation continues.
Only on Saturday morning, a similar boat accident in the Essequibo River at Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) resulted in the death of three young children.
Twelve-year-old Linda Joseph from Karaudarnau, three-year-old Norsha Ayaw and 11-month-old Newton Ayaw, both of Masakenari – all in the Deep South Rupununi – were among several passengers travelling in a boat when the vessel collided with a hidden rock and started to sink from the back where the engine was located.
The accident occurred sometime around 03:00h on Saturday. It was reported that the boat was transporting fuel, which spilt and flames ignited, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of the three children, who disappeared underwater.
Search and rescue efforts were led by two brave individuals from the local community, who tirelessly searched the river and were able to locate the three victims sometime after.
However, this publication was told that the condition of 3-year-old Norsha’s body made identification difficult. The piranhas in the river had eaten parts of her face, hands, and feet.