ANDREW James, 19, is now dead following a collision of two boats at Sand Hills, Berbice River, at 23:00 hrs on Sunday.

According to information, James and his father, Andrew James Sr., 75, of Kimbia, were in their boat heading South up the River when they collided with another boat travelling in the opposite direction, piloted by Delroy Husbands, 25, a male Amerindian of Waruni, Berbice River. Husbands’ brother, Vanwest, 27, was also in the boat with him.
According to reports, both captains swerved in the same direction and one boat struck the stern of the other boat. As a result of the collision, the younger James pitched out of his boat, fell into the river and failed to surface.
Searches were conducted, but he was not found; his 75-year-old father survived the collision and was rescued.
It is understood that the body subsequently surfaced around 05:30 hrs on Tuesday morning. Police were informed by the toshao of the area some time on Monday about the mishap. Ranks on Tuesday journeyed up the river and recovered the body which was brought to New Amsterdam and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary where it is awaiting a post-mortem.
Delroy Husbands, the captain of the other boat, was arrested and is reportedly in custody at the Reliance Police Station. Investigations are continuing.

(Michael Khan)