THE wreckage of a German-registered catamaran was on Saturday found in deep waters off the coast of Wakenaam, in Region Three.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the vessel was found with a note inside, along with what appeared to be a national identification card and a telephone number. This was confirmed by Crime Chief Leslie James during a telephone interview.

James told this newspaper that the Guyana Police Force would call the number sometime today with the intention of locating the owner of the vessel or some other person(s) of interest.

Transport Minister Robeson Benn confirmed that the vessel was indeed a wreck. He said the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) would, sometime today, issue a press statement on the discovery.

Persons in Wakenaam told this newspaper that the vessel was pulled from the water through the resources of a businessman on the island. It was noted that the vessel was first spotted in the rough, but by the time the businessman was ready to pull the wreck from the waters, it had already moved closer to the shore and was flooded with water.

The vessel is presently moored at a facility belonging to the Wakenaam businessman, who has accommodation for such.
There were no registration markings on the vessel, according to persons who would have examined the vessel. With the exception of the identification card and a note which contained a telephone number, there was nothing of value, evidential or otherwise, inside the flooded out vessel.

Based on the geographical location of Wakenaam, it is possible that the vessel might have ended up in this part of the world from either Florida or Europe, said Regional Chairman Julius Faerber.

An Internet definition of the catamaran says the vessel is usually propelled by sails, and is formed by two hulls or floats which are held side by side by a frame above them that stabilizes the vessel on the water.
The Catamaran of modern day has been first introduced sometime in 1991, although its use in various forms with the use of logs and other objects was in operation from time immemorial. The vessel functions better outside of rough waters, and is described as a light object.

By Leroy Smith