The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the Ministry of Public Works is currently investigating the capsizing of a boat on Monday morning at Parika.
Officials from MARAD and the Guyana Police Force took statements from passengers and sources have told Stabroek News that action is expected to be taken against the 29-year-old boat captain.
A planned family visit to Fort Island became a nightmare when the boat they hired capsized. The incident occurred around 11:00 hrs on Monday. According to Rano Narine, from Leguan, she hired the boat and went to Parika for her relatives. She said that the accident occurred five minutes after the boat left for Fort Island.
“To be honest is the life jacket saved me. It help me to float up and I am thankful for it. I would encourage persons to wear their jackets,” Narine said.
Another relative also credited the life jacket for her still being alive. She said that the captain sped off and was trying to scale a huge wave when the accident occurred.
Some passengers are still traumatized, like Diya Seenauth, from Corentyne, who said she had a hard time sleeping on Monday night. Seenauth was trapped under the boat after it capsized. She recalled just holding her breath and thought for a moment that her life had ended when a hand came from above and pulled her out. She said she was glad that she didn’t drink any water and she is also thankful that all her family members were safe.
