Man killed, other in custody after boats collide at Karatabo – niece injured

A man is dead and a woman injured following a boat collision at Karatabo in the Essequibo River last evening, while a second man is in police custody.

According to a GINA press release, dead is Anthony Williams, who was a passenger in a boat being piloted by his niece Pamela Persaud, when it collided with one being operated by Lloyd Apple.

The release said Apple, 54, was taken into custody at the Bartica Police Station, while Persaud, 34, was admitted to the Bartica Hospital. Williams succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the collision.

According to the release, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn said boat operators are not adhering to safety procedures in the night as they are operating without lights, which is against the rules. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is investigating the incident.