Boat captain dies after river mishap, others injured

Steve Daniels, a 57-year-old boat captain of Kartabo Village, Lower Mazaruni, died on Thursday after he was involved in an alleged mishap in the Cuyuni River, in the vicinity of Tapir Landing.

Police Headquarters reported that initial enquiries revealed that a 26-foot wooden boat, powered by a 200 HP Yamaha outboard engine and operated by a 51-year-old boat captain of Batavia Village, Cuyuni River, was proceeding in the vicinity of Tapir Landing with four occupants when a collision reportedly occurred with an 18-foot aluminum boat, powered by a 40 HP Yamaha outboard engine and operated by Daniels.

As a result of the collision, the captain of the 18-foot aluminum boat and three occupants received injuries about their bodies. The captain was observed motionless, while one of the occupants sustained serious injuries. The other occupants received minor injuries.

The motionless body of Daniels, along with the injured occupants, was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where Daniels was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty. One occupant was admitted in a serious condition, while the others were treated for minor injuries and sent away.

The operator of the 26-foot wooden boat is presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Investigations are ongoing.