THE investigation into the recent tragic accident in which four persons drowned near Matouk Falls, Upper Cuyuni, is continuing but has been delayed.

The delay was occasioned because the Director of Safety Regulations, Mr. Stephen Thomas, who is conducting the probe for the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), fell ill.
A source close to the agency told the Guyana Chronicle that the Department needs more human resources to execute its functions.
The source confirmed that the captain of the vessel was the only person wearing a lifejacket at the time of the tragedy, apart from the fact that he was inexperienced and unlicensed to operate a speedboat.
He had been detained after the tragic incident but was, subsequently, released on bail after the custodial period had elapsed.
Only three passengers survived but the entire vessel was destroyed.
However, there are still persons using the waterways illegally and MARAD is seeking stakeholder partnership to cope with the situation.
Only a few days ago, one of two other speedboats ended up having to avoid crashing in the vicinity of Tiger Creek, as one was captained by a man under the influence of alcohol.
Both vessels were damaged and a number of passengers had to be taken for medical treatment.
About 25 people have lost their lives in the hinterland waterways over the past five months.