Man feared drowned after river collision in North West District

Police are investigating a river collision that occurred Thursday morning in the Barama River, North West District, leaving one man missing and another hospitalized.

According to preliminary investigations, the incident took place at about 09:30 hrs near Kokerite Village and involved a wooden balahoo and a small aluminium boat. The balahoo was being captained by a 24-year-old man of Grant, Anna Regina, Lower Pomeroon River, while the aluminium boat was reportedly operated by a man known only as “King.”

Police on Friday said the balahoo was travelling from Bamboo Landing in the North West District to Charity with four passengers onboard when it allegedly collided with the smaller vessel.

As a result of the collision, the two occupants of the aluminium boat were thrown into the river. One of the occupants, a 23-year-old resident of Kariako Village, was rescued, while the captain of the aluminium boat disappeared beneath the water and has not yet resurfaced.

The police also said searches were immediately launched for the missing man, but he remains unaccounted for. Search efforts are continuing. The rescued man was taken to the Moruca District Hospital, where he received medical treatment and remains under observation.

Meanwhile, the captain of the balahoo has been arrested and is assisting police with their investigations. The vessels and engines involved in the incident have since been lodged as investigations continue.