POLICE, MARAD and the GDF Air Corps, along with two other search-and- rescue groups, are to return today to the Matope Falls area in the Cuyuni River to resume searching for four persons who went missing yesterday when the boat in which they were travelling capsized.

Reports are that the incident occurred around midmorning yesterday when the boat developed engine trouble after hitting a rock while negotiating the rapids.

Among the seven persons, said to be miners, on the ill-fated vessel at the time it went down were survivors Morris Hopkinson, Junior Lyte and David Clarke. All the others are presumed dead. They were all reportedly headed to Bartica from a mining operation upriver.

The names of the missing have been given as Clive ‘Bazo’ Welcome, 19, a promising footballer who hails from Bartica; William Marks, Seon Roberts and Junior Bandu.

At the behest of Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn, a GDF helicopter, piloted by Major Anson Weeks, with MARAD Safety Director, Stephen Thomas on board was quickly sent to the area to mount a search.

Due to the inclement weather, however, that ‘chopper’ never left the Air Corps hangar until around 14:59hrs for the Matope, where it conducted an unsuccessful aerial search for approximately half an hour before flying to Bartica.

Minister Benn said that although yesterday’s air search was called off, the police would resume it today, and their report would decide what further steps would be taken, besides the investigations which have already commenced.

Region Seven Chairman, Mr. Gordon Bradford told the Chronicle via telephone that it was regrettable that tragedy has again struck the Cuyuni River area, and that he had since gone to the Welcome’s home to give them his condolences, both on his and the Region’s behalf.

Sorely missed

A source close to the Welcome family told this newspaper that Clive was always supportive of his family members, and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand whenever called upon.

The source also indicated that the young man had played football from youth to senior level; had represented Bartica at all the levels; and had been part of the Guyana national under-17 squad under Coach Sampson Gilbert.

Last January, 11 persons lost their lives during a boat collision at Crab Falls in the said Cuyuni/Mazaruni area.