Maritime authorities peeved at late notice that ship missing
SHERRY Hartman, Jewel Lewis and Kamaldai Shuckoo have still not been given anything on which they may pin their hopes that closure is imminent in the nearly month-old mystery of their husbands’ disappearance, along with the cargo vessel MV “Oliver L”. Contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, the women said there isn’t any new information with regards to the whereabouts of their loved ones. However, the authorities are continuing to investigate.
Sherry Hartman, wife of Captain Wexton Andrews, said she would be attending deliverance services to do some further praying for the safe return of her husband and his crew members, Ramdat Roopnarine and Clad Burnette.   
Shuckoo and Lewis said that, ever since the three went missing, their prayers have been dedicated solely to the return of the three, and they ask God that the men be in good health also.
Earlier in the week, Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that the authorities have expressed dissatisfaction at being notified late about the missing ship. He noted that chances of finding the men might have been better had the ship’s disappearance been immediately reported to the authorities. The minister updated the media that the authorities are currently awaiting response from neighbouring Venezuela to say whether there have been any new discoveries.
During the media briefing, Minister Benn had said that while there has been no new development, he has been speaking with both the owner of the vessel and the families of the men, staying in contact and updating them when necessary. He has called the situation distressing, but noted that every effort is still being made to get to the bottom of the matter. “It’s not easy for anyone to lose a family member,” Minister Benn opined. According to Benn, following the tragic incident, the authorities have been working to shed some light on the issue.
The three Guyanese sailors, who had left Guyana on December 11th 2011, were expected to return home on their cargo vessel, the MV “Oliver L”, on Christmas Eve Day, after spending a few days in Trinidad and Tobago; however, the three did not show up as was promised.
Local and regional maritime officials have mounted a search for the men and their vessel, and notification has also been given to the maritime authorities of Barbados, Tobago, Grenada, and islands up to Puerto Rico, to keep a look out for the vessel and crew, since it may have drifted along the eastern coast of Trinidad.
There is still a team of three seamen combing the Venezuela/Orinoco River area, but they are yet to return with a report of their findings. The vessel is reportedly registered in the name of Raymond Lord.
The ship’s disappearance is reminiscent of the traceless disappearance of two “Rambarran” vessels, the “Gran Rio” and the “Fiona R”, each along with the entire crew. Until now, investigators have not been able to come up with any explanations surrounding the disappearance of the three along with their ship; neither is there any new development.