VIOLENT waves in the Atlantic Ocean off Tiger beach at Waini, in the North West District have reportedly destroyed a $14M fishing boat and other equipment. According to boat owner, Mr. Shadaad Baksh of Jibb Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, his boat with several crew members on board was in the Waini area on August 29 when tragedy struck.

Baksh was at home when his boat encountered difficulties. He said he learnt from other fishermen who had been in the area at the time that because his boat captain had ventured too close to the dangerous sandy beach, it was knocked to shore by violent waves and destroyed, sinking off Tiger Beach.
He said the captain and crew members told him that the boat started to leak heavily and they had to head to the beach for safety. However, sailors of several boats that were fishing in the area at the time, and speed boat operators who ply the Charity-Venezuela route, told him that his boat is very often seen in the Tiger Beach area.
Baksh said reports have indicated that the captain and crew of his boat would be involved in catching iguanas and crabs, and would generally have fun on the beach for a day or two without his knowledge before returning to sea. All during that time his boat would be left on the beach probably, without protection.
Mr. Baksh also said he was told by rescue workers that no fish or fish glue (the most expensive product in fishing) had been found in or around the wrecked boat or had washed up on the shore, and this raises concerns that the catch may have being sold or disposed of prior to, or during, the incident, leading to suspicions that the boat may have been marooned.
Baksh said he reported the matter to the Charity Police Station, but police are claiming that the matter is a private one and, as such, no police action is being taken. Accordingly, he is left to face $14M in losses without proper investigation.
Baksh said he is calling on the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Police Force to investigate the destruction of his $14M property.