21 rescued from sinking Essequibo River speedboat

Some 21 persons stranded in a sinking speed boat were rescued Wednesday thanks to the swift actions by Commander of the G division, Stephen Mansell.

It was reported that the vessel which was identified as the “Tide Rider” was en route to Parika from Supenaam. The boat reportedly sprang a leak and began taking water. Passengers onboard began to panic. A passenger onboard called the Commander and informed him that the boat was sinking. The commander promptly contacted members of the Parika Speedboat Association to assist. A boat was immediately sent to Hogg Island where 19 passengers and the boat operators were rescued. MARAD’s representative, James Ralph said that the boat, “Tide Rider” left the dock yard just three weeks ago. He noted that works were done on the boat but some issues were unresolved. Operator of the boat, Fedel Gibson, said that as he was going around the Wakenaam point he noticed a decline in his motor power. He then drove over to Hogg Island to investigate the engine problem. Gibson said that as he slowly drove the boat began to take on water. He said at the time of the incident the pump was off. He, however, managed to have it turned back on and commenced pumping water out of the vessel. Gibson said that as the speedboat captain, he saw it fitting to ground the vessel on the bank of Hogg Island in an effort to avoid further complications.

(Kaieteurnews.com)