The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised the police to hold an inquest into the boating accident that resulted in the deaths of a father and son in the Moruca River in July.
According to Communications Officer for the DPP’s office Liz Rahaman, the case file was received on August 15 and it was returned to the police force on August 23, with a recommendation that an inquest to be held to determine whether there is any criminal liability for the death of the two men.
George Piper, 41, and his son, Ravin, 18, both farmers, were reportedly tossed out of their vessel at the mouth of the Moruca River, North West District around 10 pm on July 14. Their bodies were recovered in the following days.
The mishap occurred, the police said, when a vessel owned by the Kumaka District Hospital, allegedly collided with the vessel in which the Pipers were travelling.
According to the police, at the time of the collision the Pipers were returning home from the Pomeroon River in a 17-ft vessel, captained by Uklana France, of Father’s Beach, North West District, Region One, who was rescued.
As a result of the impact, the captain of the hospital vessel and four occupants were also hurled overboard.
None of the men that were on the private boat were wearing lifejackets at the time of the accident.