Boat in Essequibo River mishap suffered damaged bow during transfer of passengers

The baby being passed along a ‘people brigade’ to safety (Chris Gopaul photo)

By Aviso Paul

An investigation into the mishap on Saturday which resulted in a speedboat sinking in the Essequibo River has revealed that the bow was punctured during the transfer of passengers from another boat. 

The mishap which did not claim any life was said to have occurred at about 14:30 hrs on the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Leguan Island.

Stabroek News yesterday spoke to John Flores, a Captain attached to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), who said that an investigation was carried out based on the facts of the incident only, while an inspection was also done and the bow of the boat was observed to have had a slight split.