The body of Thomas Carstens Jr, the United States (US) tourist who went missing after the boat he had joined for a fishing trip reportedly capsized earlier this week in the Rupununi River, Region Nine was recovered yesterday.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that a search team which consisted of members of the Joint Services made the discovery sometime yesterday at an area on the Rupununi River.
The body was to be transported to Lethem yesterday.
Reports had revealed that Carstens Jr was last seen when he left the Kanuku Eco Resort around 10.30 am on Tuesday in the company of an unidentified boat captain/ tour guide and another tourist for a fishing trip.
Stabroek News was informed that the trio was expected to return to the resort around 6 pm. However, after time passed and they did not, a search party journeyed along the river to look for them.
But only the boat captain/tour guide and the other tourist were seen on a large rock in the river. There was no sign of Carstens Jr.
Based on information reaching this newspaper, the duo related that while they were going up the river, the boat capsized and they were hurled into the river.
They said they began to swim during which they saw the rock and swam to safety as they waited for help.
The boat captain/tour guide and tourist noted that they did not see in which direction Carstens Jr went.
Less than a month ago, Guyana-born New York policeman, Gladstone Haynes went missing during a visit to the Orinduik Falls. His body was subsequently recovered.
The Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday said following the two incidents, the Government has commenced a “searching inquiry” during which the operations of all stakeholders including the relevant authorities will be examined.
According to the ministry, a “key” feature of the review is a consultation with tour operators and related regulatory agencies which is scheduled for December 13.
In the meantime, the Ministry is urging tourists to only utilize the service of operators and facilities that are authorized by the Guyana Tourism Authority.
