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Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle via telephone, he indicated that success in the operation has been ongoing, as eight bodies were recovered and the search for others continues.
He was at the time returning to the search area from Bartica where he went for supplies to take back for the crew working on the recovery operation in the command area.
The crew comprises Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard ranks, Police, MARAD officials and residents who had volunteered their time and equipment to assist in the operation.
So far,the searches being conducted for nine persons reported missing following a boat collision at Crab Falls in the Mazaruni River on Tuesday, have resulted in the bodies of all nine persons being found.
They are Jermaine Calistro, 27 years; Ulric Grimes, 39; Christopher Narine; Zahir Baksh, 34 years; Jewan Seeram 52 years; Keanu Amsterdam 17 years; Francisco Olivera Alves 48 years and Kevin Ambrose 25 years, and Deon Moses.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Director-General Mrs. Claudette Rogers, she indicated that the main focus at present is the recovery of those missing since the reports received are sketchy as to the verification of the number of persons not accounted for.
She noted that additional personnel would be sent to support the existing team in the Mazaruni River and investigations will follow regarding maritime laws on completion of the recovery exercise.
MARAD will be enhancing its awareness in the education aspect of its mandate and the safety of the use of the country’s waterways she added.
Asked about the licensing of vessels and training of river captains, Rogers said that in 2013, a work plan for a number of areas would be considered and the execution of the programme will be finalised.
The captains of the two speed boats in Tuesday’s collision are in police custody at the Bartica Police Station, assisting with investigations.
