POLICE in the North West District have launched a search for Edward O’Neal, 25, a Venezuela-based Guyanese fisherman who went missing in the Barima River in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The man who is feared drowned, went missing while on the way to his girlfriend’s home.
The Barima River is a tributary of the Orinoco River, entering six kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. It originates in Guyana, flowing for approximately 340 kilometres before entering Venezuela about 80 kilometres from its mouth
Police said initial reports indicate that O’Neal, along with 19-year-old Kamal Hosea of Aruka River, North West District, left the Kumaka landing intoxicated in a boat powered by a 75hp engine.
It is alleged that the boat hit a wood and veered into nearby bushes.
Kamal told police that he then looked around but did not see O’Neal. He called for help and a nearby resident came out with torchlights and they both began searching for O’Neal, but did not find him.
The resident then took Kamal to Mabaruma Hospital where he is recovering from minor injuries, while the search is ongoing for O’Neal.