A 64-YEAR-OLD fisherman of Grant Danielstown, in the lower Pomeroon, was pronounced dead at the Charity Hospital yesterday after being involved in a boat accident in the Pomeroon River. Reports reaching the Chronicle said the fisherman, Ishri Persaud, known as ‘Rudolph’, was on his way to Charity in his boat, which was captained by his 29-year-old son, Sookraj Persaud, when the collision occurred at around 04:00 hrs.

According to reports, the fisherman’s boat was powered by 25 HP outboard engine and had lights when a speedboat, moving at a faster rate with a bigger outboard engine and equipped with lights, collided with Persaud’s boat a short distance from the Charity Farmers’ Wharf.

Sookraj said the speedboat ran over his boat and in the process crushed his father who suffered severe injuries to his head, face and other parts of his body.

The son who saw his father covered in blood called out to the speedboat driver for assistance but the driver just started his engine and sped away.

However, the loud noise of the collision attracted many persons who were at Charity conducting business at the usually busy Monday market and the severely injured man was rushed to the Charity Hospital by public spirited citizens and his son.

Reports said the deceased was on his way to Georgetown and had already arranged for a car to pick him up at Charity for Supenaam when he met his death.

The incident has left many persons at Charity in shock and angry because of the speedboat operator’s refusal to assist the injured man.

Up to press time, police have not found the driver of the speed boat who was involved in the accident.
Investigations are ongoing.