THREE persons were saved from a watery grave yesterday afternoon after the vessel in which they were travelling capsized, tossing them into the Cuyuni River.

Reports are that a Brazilian national and his two Guyanese associates were heading upriver when their vessel hit an underwater object and toppled.
The vessel reportedly had on board only the three men, who, up to press time were not identified by name. At time of the mishap, the vessel was allegedly ferrying fuel.
Last evening, Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department, Ms. Claudette Rogers, expressed satisfaction at the efforts of persons in the area, whose assistance ensured the three men were rescued, thus preventing another river tragedy.
Ms. Rogers pointed out that the safety team of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was scheduling a visit to another location where boats frequently operate, but in light of yesterday’s incident, the team would divert its attention to the Cuyuni River area.
However, before confirming that the men were rescued and were all safe, the Director-General expressed frustration that, with all the resources being expended to ensure safety on the waterways, and despite the various sensitization programmes, when accidents occur on the waters, the department ultimately feels its efforts to preserve lives are in vain.
The Maritime Administration Department enjoys the full support of subject minister Robeson Benn, who has responsibility for travel in Guyana, be it by road, air or water.
There have been instances when Minister Benn himself accompanied officers from MARAD and the army coast guards in coordinating search and rescue and recovery operations.
In the past, the Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Public Works have been redoubling their efforts to ensure both boat operators and passengers comply with safety regulations and practices.
There is often the sad practice of some passengers refusing to wear life jackets throughout their journey on the river, and there are those who usually take them off when the boats leave the respective docking points.
The MARD has been putting systems in place to curb this practice, even as it tries desperately to ensure persons who enter a boat for however short a journey comply with using a life jacket, and using it the correct way.
Some calls have been made for a review of the maritime laws.