The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, at approximately 6.30 am on Thursday, executed a successful rescue operation, saving five individuals from the cargo vessel AMAYA.
A release from the GDF yesterday said that the vessel, laden with cement and stone, began taking in water around 4 am.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred after the vessel had been grounded on a sandbank from approximately 10.30 pm the previous day. While awaiting the high tide to facilitate departure from the sandbank, rough water conditions caused the vessel to start taking water onboard, prompting the crew to seek assistance. The Coast Guard responded and upon arrival, it was observed that the vessel was sinking.
All five crew members were safely extracted and transported to Coast Guard Headquarters, the release said.
The incident occurred approximately 5.2 nautical miles off Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara.
The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard said it is pleased with the success of this operation and remains prepared to respond promptly to any maritime incidents or emergencies.
