The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Captain who was in police custody following a crash on the Pomeroon River that claimed the life of Ryan Khayum, a farmer, on Tuesday last, has been released on station bail, Regional Commander of Region 2, W/Superintendent Crystal Robinson, informed Stabroek News.
She stated that their investigations are still ongoing and due to the expiration of the stipulated maximum detention period, the captain of the boat was released on station bail.
Khayum, 32, of Marbaru, Pomeroon River, Essequibo, drowned after the vessel belonging to the GDF Coast Guard crashed into his boat while he and his wife, Chandanie Khayum, 26, along with two workers were on their way home last Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Ramroop Mahase, an in-law of the dead man told Stabroek News that they were able to raise the boat yesterday, after it was submerged for days in the river.
Mahase also related that over the weekend a group of officers from the GDF visited the scene of the accident and took statements as a part of their own independent investigation.
He added that they also visited the family and expressed their condolences and while doing so they indicated that they will assist with the expenses of the funeral.
The deceased, Khayum, was laid to rest last Friday.
According to a press release from the GDF, ongoing investigations have so far revealed that a Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard vessel, the GDFS HAWK 1028, which had four ranks on board, was returning from Charity, Essequibo, to the Floating Base when the incident took place. This was around 21:00 hours on April 20.
According to reports the Coast Guard ranks were under the influence of alcohol. Robinson had noted that a Breathalyzer test was administered but indicated that she would not release the results.
Khayum’s body was found floating on Wednesday afternoon in the Pomeroon River, a short distance away from the site of the crash.
Mahase had told this newspaper that the boat collision occurred at Martindale, Pomeroon River, where the farmer’s wife had stopped to make a payment to an avocado farmer.
“They just pulled out from the farmer’s landing when this Coast Guard vessel come and hit them from the back. It had no light on. My niece [and the others] were travelling in a 45ft steel boat and they had lights on …” Mahase said.
He also said that persons at the Charity Wharf after hearing of the accident rushed to the scene and rendered assistance but they were unable to find Ryan.
His wife and two workers were rescued by public-spirited persons who were at the scene after the crash. The wife was hospitalised after being rescued.
