TWO persons have died as a result of a boat accident involving a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard vessel and a civilian vessel in the Moruca River, Region One, on Friday.
The Guyana Chronicle understands that the victims of the accident are teachers Helen Rebai and Adrian Thomas.

Rebai’s three-month-old, who was also aboard the boat, survived along with 28-year-old Shelly Allen.

According to information, the collision between the Coast Guard Raiders Craft 17 (RC 17) and the civilian vessel occurred at approximately 06:45 hrs. The RC 17 carried personnel from the Coast Guard. Thomas was reportedly the operator of the civilian vessel. The Coast Guard personnel aboard the RC 17 have not reported any injuries.

Allen, during an interview with reporters, related that they were heading to Charity when the collision occurred with the Coast Guard vessel around a turn near Kumaka.

Rebai and baby along with Thomas were sitting on the right hand side of the boat. And due to the collision, the boat was reportedly split down the middle.
Allen recalled sitting on the left half of the boat, searching for the baby before she eventually found and rescued the three-month-old.

Reports are that the civilians were recovered and taken to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where Rebai and Thomas succumbed to their injuries, while the three-month-old and Allen were admitted.

The Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, officers and ranks of the GDF extended sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.