A RIVER search is underway for an unidentified miner who disappeared on Saturday during a boat mishap at Gatie Falls, Semang Creek, Middle Mazaruni River.

Commander for Regional Division #7, Dion Moore, confirmed that the incident occurred around 17:00hrs and involved a blue and white wooden boat powered by a 75 HP outboard engine. The boat is owned by captain Garfield Benn, 41, of Tassarene Village, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River.

The police said on Saturday around 08:30hrs, Benn boarded his boat with five occupants and they departed Long Island, Middle Mazaruni River en route to Semang Creek.

Two have been identified as 43-year-old Griffith Joseph Fredericks and 47-year-old Kenneth Tancredo, both of Seventh Field, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

The police have not ascertained the identities of the other three, including the victim

According to the police, the boat stopped at Semang Landing and later continued its journey.

However, Benn later began experiencing a problem with his leg and gave one of the occupants of the boat control of the engine.

“Whilst navigating the boat in the vicinity of Gatie Falls, Semang Creek, the said boat engine collided with a rock.  The occupants were flung overboard after which everyone with the exception of one person surfaced and were able to swim to shore,” the police said in a release.

A search party was formed and is currently making checks for the missing miner.