Man injured after boat fire at Bartica

Okema Brummell, whose age is unknown, was forced to jump overboard after the wooden boat he was in caught fire; he received injuries from the incident.

A police report stated that the incident occurred at around 16:00hrs on Tuesday on the Essequibo River near the Fourth Avenue Beach in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to the report, Brummel went to the ‘Sir’ Gas Station at the Fourth Avenue beach to purchase gasoline for his wooden boat, which was powered by a 200 horsepower outboard engine.

After purchasing the gasoline, it was reported that the man started the engine and in the process the battery sparked and the boat ignited into flames. As a result, he received minor burns to his left foot.

It was also reported that he jumped into the Essequibo River for safety.

The man was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he received medical treatment and was sent away.