Four hospitalized following boat mishap

Four persons from the lower Pomeroon were admitted to hospital after the boat in which they were travelling capsized, following a collision with a pontoon around 7 pm on Monday.

Nine-year-old Anganie Shivnauth, 33-year-old Venita Williams, the boat captain Trevor Bharally, 20, and his nine-year-old sister Angelita Bharally, were admitted to the Suddie Hospital shortly after the incident. Up to yesterday afternoon, they were still patients at the hospital, but this newspaper was unable to ascertain the extent of their injuries.

According to reports reaching Stabroek News, on Monday evening, Trevor Bharally of Grant Stelling Hope, Pomeroon was piloting the boat downstream on the right bank of the river when the incident occurred. At the time, six persons, including the captain, were on board the vessel, which was powered by a 75-horsepower engine.

Apparently, because of the surrounding darkness, the boat collided with the pontoon, which was moored on the right bank of the river in the vicinity of Martindale, Lower Pomeroon.

Reports said everyone on board the boat was tossed into the river, but they were rescued by persons in another vessel.

Four of them were subsequently rushed to the Suddie Hospital where they were admitted. This newspaper understands that the pontoon is owned by the Region Two Regional Democratic Council.

Investigations are ongoing.