THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said yesterday that following a report of a collision involving one of its vessels on the Pomeroon River, it immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation in order to find the missing Pomeroon farmer, Mr. Orton Benjamin.This GDF-led operation, the Army said in a statement yesterday, is utilising specialist equipment and the services of divers.
The GDF is reportedly in contact with Mr. Benjamin’s family, and will provide them with all necessary assistance during this difficult time. It will also remain engaged in the search for Mr Benjamin until he is recovered.
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips has ordered an investigation into the accident involving the GDF vessel and Mr Benjamin’s boat.
According to our Essequibo correspondent, the search for the 47-year-old farmer is primarily concentrated in the St John area of the lower Pomeroon River, “not far from the river mouth,” and is being conducted by relatives and friends of Benjamin, as well as members of the Guyana Police Force and the GDF Coast Guard.
Benjamin was reportedly taking his wife and young child to school by boat on Wednesday morning when the accident occurred.
Of the boat’s three occupants, he was the only one to have fallen overboard, and is believed to have been badly injured in the process. (Additional reporting by Rajendra Prabhulall)