The bodies of the two men who were missing following a boat mishap in the Essequibo River over the weekend have been recovered and the Ministry of Public Works yesterday disclosed that “most” of the occupants on the vessel were not wearing life jackets and it was not certified to operate the Parika to Bartica route.
The men have been identified as Rondy Adams and Alvin Leitch.
Contacted yesterday, Police Commander of Region Seven Dion Moore told Stabroek News that the bodies of Adams and Leitch were found yesterday morning at Shanklands and Bartica.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred sometime between 18.45hrs and 19.00hrs in the vicinity of Calf Island, Essequibo River.
River Navigation Officer Captain Romain Seurattan is spearheading the investigation. He is working along with ranks from Region Seven.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, MARAD received reports about the boat mishap around 19.00hrs on Saturday.
At the time of the mishap, the boat “Carlos” was captained by Jermain Blackman. Eleven other persons, including the bowman, were on board.
In a press release yesterday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said investigation revealed that the mishap occurred when Blackman ran into Rattlesnake Rock in the Essequibo River. “According to our investigation thus far, after ‘Carlos’ hit the rock, it suffered extensive damage and was sinking, some of the occupants were thrown into the water while others exited the ill-fated boat and tried swimming to the shore,” the release revealed.
The Ministry disclosed that most of the passengers were not wearing lifejackets. “Most of the persons on board were reportedly not wearing lifejackets, even though it is reported that there were several on board,” it said.
Stabroek News has been told that Adams may have been wearing a lifejacket but gave it to a female passenger, who is currently hospitalised.
Edghill further noted in the release that Blackman is a licensed captain but his boat was “uncertified” and “not permitted” to operate the Parika-Bartica route. “Further, boats on this service are not allowed to operate during the hours of darkness,” the release added.
According to the release, MARAD’s records shows that the last authorized departure at that route was by “Lady Zeniell’ at 17.10 hours.
“MARAD has designated 17:00 hours as the latest departure time for boats to depart Parika or Bartica on this service, so as to arrive before dark. The ‘Carlos’ reportedly departed from the Parika Stelling at approximately 17:30 hours after MARAD’s monitors would have concluded work for the day,” Edghill explained.
Police, in a brief statement, had said that the vessel was en route to the Bartica Stelling when the mishap occurred. During the journey, the vessel while attempting to navigate around a damaged beacon moored approximately 100 feet away from Calf Island, collided with the beacon.
As a result the vessel’s hull was punctured and it began to sink. Blackman responded by attempting to put the boat ashore but was unable to do so as the vessel sank. At this point the passengers began swimming to shore.
As news of the mishap reached those in Bartica, public-spirited persons rushed to the area to assist survivors. Among those who made it to shore was popular disc jockey Dorrel Romeo, popularly known as ‘DJ Magnum’.
In the release, Edghill pointed out that the issue of unlicensed “outside” boats operating on the waterways is “actively” engaging the administration.
As a result, the ministry is urging members of the public not to board water taxis/speedboats operating outside of the regulated system and hours of operation. “MARAD, as the regulatory authority, also wishes to reiterate that all persons using boats/ water taxis must properly and securely wear lifejackets,” the release said. “Safety on our roads, waterways, and in our airspace must be adhered to. Service providers must follow the rules and be in full compliance at all times,” it added.