THE Maritime Administration (MARAD) said, yesterday, that investigations into the May 5 Berbice River mishap, which claimed a life, are incomplete but it is working with all parties involved. Andre Thompson, 42, of De Veldt, was killed when a tug, owned by Oldendorff Carriers (Guyana) Inc. and towing two barges, collided with a wooden boat in which he was travelling.
Oldendorff expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and said its main concern, at this time, is keeping in contact with the immediate family of the deceased to offer support.
“His death is truly tragic and Oldendorff Carriers (Guyana) Inc. will endeavour to assist the family through this time of extreme bereavement. We have also been in contact with the owner of the other vessel involved, the White Rose,” a Monday press release said.
Oldendorff added that, presently, it is not in a position to discuss this matter further, until a detailed investigation has been completed.
However, Captain of the tug ‘Hamburg’ and management of Oldendorff are cooperating fully with local authorities investigating the situation.
The company confirmed that, about 04:30 hrs on Saturday, May 5, the tug ‘Hamburg’ was involved in an incident with the ‘White Rose’ in the vicinity of Breath Water and it, immediately, informed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in New Amsterdam and MARAD.

Moored
Meanwhile, the Police reported that the boat in which Thompson was had been moored alongside the Berbice River bank in the De Veldt area.
His body, which was recovered, subsequently, is at New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.
Thompson, who lived at Number 28 Village, West Coast  Berbice, was killed after being trapped in his boat following the collision.
The father of three had been asleep in the 30 feet single engine craft, at De Veldt, about forty miles from New Amsterdam.
The incident occurred as the tug navigated a turn in the waterway where Thompson’s vessel was moored.
According to eyewitnesses, as the tug approached it, Thompson awoke but, in a failed attempt to save himself, jumped into the water and was pinned below the tug for a lengthy period.
His corpse was retrieved, hours later, as the tide receded.
The tug captain, Godfrey Conway said he had been in a doze and did not see the smaller vessel in the water.
The eyewitnesses claimed that, shortly after the crash, Conway  attempted to sail away, but was stopped by the shouts of other persons in the area.