Four persons are feared drowned following a boat collision up the Berbice River, in the vicinity of Kabatali.

The incident occurred after the mandatory 18:00hrs curfew. While the reports are sketchy, information gathered indicated that a wooden vessel powered by a 75 horse power motor engine, was returning to the New Amsterdam township, when it collided with a smaller vessel, in which four family members were travelling.

As a result of the impact, the four men, “Godfrey”, “Julian”, “Freeman”, and ” Lindie” , were thrown out of the vessel, into the Berbice river. Their boat was completely destroyed. Up to press time relatives were searching for their loved ones. However, they have since recovered slippers belonging to the missing men.

Meanwhile, the occupants of the other boat did not stop to render assistance. Residents of the riverine community claimed that the vessel originated from East Canje. Police Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus acknowledged hearing of the incident, but said it is currently being investigated by ranks in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice.)