The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today expressed outrage at the stealing and vandalism of its marine Aids to Navigation to the tune of $7m.
A release from MARAD said that in September 2013, two buoys were stolen which were placed in the Essequibo River near to Kaow Island, to mark the Rattlesnake Rock. In April 2014, the Modder Bush buoy was purloined or otherwise moved from its position in the Essequibo River near Leguan Island. Also the lights on two other buoys were stolen as they moor in the river near to Leguan, Wakenaam and Hog Islands, MARAD further said.
MARAD said that floating buoys and fixed beacons are strategically positioned in or near the waterways to guide mariners safely. They also mark wrecks and other dangers to navigation.
MARAD added that even though it has launched an investigation into the disappearance of these Aids to Navigation, it is soliciting help from members of the public with any information that will lead to the recovery the aids to Navigations which in the above mentioned instances cost approximately seven million dollars ($7,000,000.00).
