The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that one of its vessels involved in a recent accident in Region One was being used without authorisation and was not engaged in any official duties at the time.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, GECOM said preliminary internal investigations revealed that the vessel, which was involved in the April 19 incident on the Barima River, was operating outside of approved use.

“Based on preliminary internal investigations, [the vessel] was being used without authorisation and was not engaged in any official duties at the time,” the Commission stated.

The incident occurred near Morawhanna, where reports indicate the vessel collided with a sandbank, resulting in several persons on board sustaining injuries. None of the passengers were employees of, or affiliated with, GECOM.

GECOM further disclosed that the captain of the vessel, who is employed by the Commission, is currently in police custody and is cooperating with investigators.

The injured passengers were rescued by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. However, the vessel was later destroyed by a fire of unknown origin.

GECOM said it is working closely with the Guyana Police Force as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commission also expressed appreciation to the Coast Guard for its swift response, noting that their actions helped to prevent more serious injuries or potential loss of life.

GECOM extended best wishes to those injured and said it will continue to cooperate fully with authorities as it awaits the outcome of the ongoing investigations to determine the appropriate course of action.