Passengers and cargo vessels can traverse River despite sunken dredge- MARAD

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is working with officers from Crown Mining to remove the sunken dredge at Perimap Falls in the Mazaruni River.

According to MARAD, passenger and cargo vessels can traverse the area where the dredge is located, and bypass channels are available for the smooth manoeuvring of vessels.

The dredge sunk while it was proceeding along the river on its way to Potaro in July when its base was struck by the rapids of the falls. It was left hanging on its side and caused much discomfort to boat operators to navigate the Perimap area. This allegedly led to a shortage of fuel and food supplies to some interior communities.

Over the past few months, Crown Mining has been working to remove the dredge from its current position, however, according to MARAD “the high tide and the location of the dredge between rocks in the waterfalls made it impossible to manoeuvre special equipment to the site.” The company is continuing its efforts.

A team from MARAD visited the site to ensure navigation was safe for passenger and cargo vessels, whereas, a professional salvager, who was acquired by Crown Mining, assessed the site to see which measures could be taken to have the dredge salvaged, the department added.