A search has been launched for the captain, Ramkissoon Sukhan, 53, called ‘Greenie’ of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and for a young fisherman, Andrew, said to be around “17 or 18-years-old.”
Reports are that the pirates also beat the men severely and while they were struggling in the water the pirates “circled and picked up three of them.” But by then the two had already disappeared.
Stabroek News learnt that this was the first trip for the teen and the other crew members. The boat belonged to Basdeo Sahadar of West Demerara.
Sukhan’s son, Ramlall Sukhan told Stabroek News that he was on his way home from work yesterday afternoon when he received a call from a relative that something was wrong with his father.
He and other relatives travelled to Berbice and they were “still trying to get information.” Chairman of the No 66 fisheries, Pravinchandra Deodat told this newspaper that the pirates first attacked a boat belonging to Rampersaud of the Corentye around 8 am on Monday.
Rampersaud’s captain and crew members were also badly beaten. The pirates also tied them up and left the boat anchored until around 4 pm.
The fishermen then placed Basdeo’s workers into Rampersaud’s boat but not before destroying the engine.
They were later rescued by another passing fishing boat and got to the No 66 fisheries around 1 pm yesterday. Some of the workers had to seek medical attention.
Deodat said he has arranged a search team to comb the water today for the missing fishermen. He also complimented the police for their co-operation.
There has been a spate of pirate attacks in recent months and a number of fishermen are missing. Piracy has been a serious problem particularly on the Corentyne over the last decade
