“They told us he was improving” – family of fisherman who died from burns in Cayenne

A Port Mourant, Berbice, family is seeking answers following the death of a fisherman, who succumbed to severe burn injuries in Cayenne, French Guiana, after they were initially told that his condition had been improving.
Gangaram (only name) died on Monday while hospitalised in Cayenne, days after sustaining burns aboard a fishing vessel.

His mother, Koolcoomarie, of 75 Free Yard, Port Mourant, said her son had travelled to Cayenne last Tuesday to renew his work documents, a requirement for persons working in the fishing industry there.
According to the grieving mother, her son had been working aboard a fishing vessel and was attempting to prepare a meal when a stove suddenly flared up, engulfing him in flames.
She explained that the vessel was docked close to the shoreline at the time and that in an effort to escape the fire, her son jumped into the sea. He was later taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was placed on life support due to the severity of his injuries.
Koolcoomarie said doctors later attempted to gradually remove him from the ventilator to determine whether he could breathe on his own, a development that brought hope to the family after they were told he had responded positively.
However, that optimism was short-lived.
The family was later informed that Gangaram suffered multiple heart attacks, with the final one proving fatal.
The distraught mother said her son sustained burns to his face, hands, foot, and ankle.
She told this publication that information reaching the family, including comments from individuals assisting with arrangements in Cayenne, though no official determination has been communicated to relatives.
Gangaram had worked in the fishing industry across Suriname and French Guiana for several years and had been employed by his most recent employer for approximately one year.
The family is now calling for clarity and official answers regarding how the incident occurred and the events leading up to his death.