– Crew suspended
THE Maritime Administration Department said it is investigating the cause of a boat accident on the Essequibo River that occurred on Sunday last and, until this process has been completed, the crew has been suspended from operating, while the vessel is being examined thoroughly and rigorously.
On July 24, 2011 at approximately 15:00 hrs, a small passenger boat, ‘YAFFA G’, capsized in the Essequibo River just about mid-stream between Parika and Leguan Island. It was proceeding from Supenaam, Essequibo River to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
This vessel is owned and operated by Mr. Shaber Gafoor but, at the time of the incident, it was under the command of Captain Fidel Gibson.
On board were seventeen adult passengers, two children and two crewmembers. They were all wearing their lifejackets, and were all subsequently rescued by another small passenger boat. Passengers reported loss of personal effects and other items.
According to a statement from the Maritime Administration Department, this boat was compliant with the constructional requirements so it remained afloat even though it had capsized. It said initial examination of the boat identified a hole, (approximately 750 mm x 50 mm) at the bottom of the hull.
“It is important to note that all persons survived this incident because they were all wearing lifejackets,” the Administration noted.
The Maritime Administration Department is also reminding all persons travelling on these and other similar boats to stay safe by wearing life jackets when on board.