Mechanic severely injured as boat explodes at NA Stelling

A boat, which has been contracted by the bauxite company RUSAL to take workers out to the mouth of the Berbice River, exploded on Monday morning at the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling, leaving a mechanic severely injured.
The private boat, which is contracted by RUSAL, had been at the stelling to shuttle workers loading equipment to take overseas following its announcement that it is shutting down operations in Guyana.

Following the incident, the police said they were investigating the circumstances under which a fibreglass vessel caught fire while moored at the New Amsterdam Stelling.
According to the police, MV Grady White was moored at the stelling, and Fizul Adams, a mechanic, was fuelling the said vessel using a built-in pump. While doing so, the fuel tank overflowed, causing fuel to spill at the stern. As a consequence, a fire started followed by a loud explosion, which threw Adams overboard, shortly after the entire vessel was engulfed in flames which completely destroyed same.
Adams was rushed and admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital. He suffered second-degree burns.
Station Officer Shannon Crawford explained that shortly before noon the fire department received a call about the boat on fire and two water tenders were deployed and twelve fighters went to the scene.
He said when they arrived, the boat was engulfed in flames which was threatening the stelling.
However, they were able to bring the fire under control.
The fighters were engaged for close to one hour as fuel continued to feed the flames.
It eventually came to an end when the wreckage turned over in the river.
The vessel is owned by 54-year-old Errol Kertzious of Arima, Berbice River.
It had been shuttling RUSAL staff out to the mouth of the Berbice River since Saturday where an operation is ongoing. The boat and the 200-horsepower engine are valued at $6 million. (G4)