At least three persons were confirmed to have perished, while several others are missing and feared dead, after the boat in which they were travelling capsized while crossing the Orinoco river off the Venezuelan border and near Guyana’s remote North West District on Tuesday morning. The incident reportedly occurred at about 03:00hrs with the ill-fated boat travelling from Venezuela to Guyana with 14 passengers and cargo.
Two women and a child were confirmed to have perished in the incident. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a male also perished in the mishap, in which three persons are still missing. According to information received, 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 the others were reported missing. A search party was established and the bodies of the women and child were found in Venezuelan territory. The bodies are at a funeral home in the Spanish speaking country.
Nevertheless, the search continues for those still missing. INews understands that law enforcement officers in Venezuela have questioned the owner of the boat, Maureen Santiago, as they continue their investigation. INews will bring you further details as these become available.
