An investigative report on the Essequibo River boat mishap that claimed the life of Kwebana resident Fred Crème is due to be completed soon, according to Transport Minister Robeson Benn, who says there could be penalties if the captain of the vessel is found negligent and in violation of maritime rules.
The decomposing body of Crème, 24, was found floating near the Suddie Beach, Essequibo on Monday, two days after the accident.
Preliminary reports have so far suggested that the wooden vessel in which he and nine other passengers were travelling in was without mandatory life preservation devices when the accident occurred. Survivors noted that the vessel was overloaded with farm produce and as a result was unable to ride the tides.
“A report is to be completed soon. The boat was said to be powered by a five horsepower [engine] and had very little free board… they encountered rough seas, they capsized, they had no life saving devices on board,” Benn told Stabroek News.
While small crafts, including canoes, are not required to be registered with the Maritime Administration Department, they must follow basic safety rules.
Benn stressed the need for life preservers on board all water vessels and pleaded with operators to adhere to safety regulations and laws. “Our advice to all people using the waterways is ‘wear a life jacket.’ This is because we know if there is a collision and they are not in a position to rescue themselves, they can be saved by a flotation device,” Benn explained.
He said that while it might sound “a bit anachronistic to see a coreal going with our indigenous people having on life jackets,” the times have changed and if there are any persons who cannot swim then they need to wear life saving equipment. Benn said that this was a very simple step that all people could adhere to.
