Several injured after vessel runs aground at Morawhanna

Several passengers onboard a vessel owned by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were injured after it ran aground in the vicinity of Morawhanna, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Sunday.
At the time, the vessel was en route to Kumaka, Region One, with nine passengers onboard. The injured passengers were rescued by members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where they were treated.
However, preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred under conditions of reduced visibility due to rainfall.
The Coast Guard reportedly responded promptly and assisted in the evacuation of the injured passengers, who were transported to Kumaka and subsequently to the medical facility.
Nevertheless, a few hours later, the Coast Guard, in coordination with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), returned to the scene following reports that the vessel had caught fire. Upon arrival, the fire had intensified and was beyond control, compounded by the vessel’s position inland from the riverbank.
A follow-up assessment conducted at about 06:00h on April 20, 2026, confirmed that the vessel was extensively damaged by fire, with the remains partially submerged due to high tide conditions. The GDF stated that it would continue to support the relevant authorities as investigations into the incident are ongoing.