The Guyana Defence Force today informed of a tragic incident relating to a collision between a Coast Guard vessel and a civilian vessel in the Moruca River, Region One (Barima Waini), resulting in loss of lives.
Preliminary investigations, the GDF said, indicate that the collision between the Coast Guard Raiders Craft 17 (RC 17) and the civilian vessel occurred at approximately 0645 hours today.
The civilian vessel was occupied by three adults and one baby, while the RC 17 carried personnel from the Coast Guard.
Unfortunately, the vessel operator and the baby’s mother lost their lives in the accident. They were transported to the Charity Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
The Coast Guard personnel aboard the RC 17 have not reported any injuries.
The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into the incident.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, the release said.
The Ministry of Education issued the following statement today:
PRESS STATEMENT
The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of two teachers, Adrian Thomas and Helen Rebai, due to a boating accident in Moruca, Region One this morning. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and the entire educational community affected by this devastating loss. We offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
Adrian and Helen along with her three-month old baby and another passenger, Shelly Allen were traveling on the Moruca River when there was a collision with a Coast Guard vessel which resulted in the two teachers receiving fatal injuries.
Shelly Allen and Helen’s three month old baby survived the impact. The personnel on the Coast Guard vessel did not report any injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event.