By Kristen Macklingam
The bodies of the 13-year-old female and a male adult which were found shortly after the boat in which they were travelling in capsized while crossing the Orinoco River off of the Venezuelan border have been returned to Region One (Barima-Waini) for burial.
Chairman of the Region, Brentnol Ashley, confirmed earlier today that the body of the other female adult who died in the tragic accident is still in Venezuelan territory and discussions are on-going as to the way forward with regards to retrieval of the body.
He stated that the body of the male adult has been taken to Port Kaituma for burial while the 13-year-old’s is en route to Mabaruma.
“The body has not been taken to the family as yet because of where the distance they live from here but by this afternoon. I am also awaiting word as to the body still in Venezuela,” he told INews.
According to Ashley, he was notified that these three individuals were the only ones who perished and that he received no reports that anyone who was on the boat at the time of the mishap is still missing.
This incident is said to have occurred around 03:00hrs on Tuesday morning when the ill-fated boat was travelling from Venezuela to Guyana with 14 passengers and cargo.
Reports are that Maureen Santiago, formerly of Mabaruma, North West District (NWD) and who now resides in Venezuela, along with her children were heading to her mother’s place at Mabaruma Settlement when the tragedy occurred.
Based on initial reports, the boat was carrying at least 14 people some of whom had asked for a ride. As they were reportedly crossing the Barima River from Orinoque, the boat capsized in the rough waters.
INews was informed that several of the persons managed to swim to shore while others had been reported missing. A search party was established and the bodies of the trio were found.
