A BOAT with a cargo of lumber and empty gas bottles was heading to Charity from Barama in the North West District of Region One, on Saturday last, when it capsized and sank in the Atlantic Ocean near the estuary of the Pomeroon River at about 9 pm.

Boat Captain Victor Waziram of Charity Housing Scheme reportedly perished in that mishap.

Upon learning of the accident on Sunday morning, Waziram’s relatives made a report at the Charity Police station and headed to the site of the accident in search of their loved one, desperately hoping to find him alive on the shore. They reportedly called out for him several times but got no answer, then suddenly Waziram’s lifeless body began to float.

The back of Waziram’s head is said to have sustained a serious injury; and family members are baffled as to why he had tied himself to the boat with a rope around his waist while it was sinking.

Two passengers who had been travelling on the ill-fated boat reportedly survived, and were found by Police drifting in a small boat not far from the scene of the accident.

Survivor Ms Irma Burnette said she is thankful to God for saving her life. The 67-year-old said the experience was horrible and she does not want to remember it.

She said that Waziram had collected her and an Amerindian man as passengers heading to Charity. The boat usually transports groceries from Charity to Barama, and was bringing a quantity of lumber and empty gas bottles on its return trip to Charity.

Police are investigating the mishap. (Prabhulall)