–five rescued

JUNIOR Kenroy Sooklall, 24, a private in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and stationed at Fort Island, is missing and feared dead in the vicinity of St. Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo River after a boat with him and five others capsized on Friday.

Sooklall is a resident of Bark Lane, Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice. The others who were rescued by GDF ranks were identified as 28-year-old Turendra Lochan; 14-year-old Eon John; 16-year-old Ryan Beepat; 28-year Ramesh Beepat and 40-year-old Everett Tudor who is a GDF Staff Sergeant.

According to a statement issued by the GDF, Junior Kenroy Sooklall was heading to Parika in a private vessel when the incident occurred. The GDF has since launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, Police Headquarters noted that the rescued persons were escorted to Parika Police Station, where breathalyzer tests were conducted and it was found that Everett Tudor, Turendra Lochan and boat captain Ramesh Beepat had alcohol in their system.

“The captain was further questioned and it was learnt that the five passengers were travelling from Fort Island when the boat hit a wave and capsized. [ It was a 17-foot] wooden boat with a 150 Hp Yamaha outboard engine that is unregistered,” police stated.

Further searches are being conducted as investigations continue.