Boat captain dies in river accident near Bartica

An accident between two boats on the Essequibo River on Monday claimed the life of 87-year-old Richard Bowens, a pensioner of Karrau Village, Essequibo River.

A police report noted that the accident occurred at around 10:45hrs near the Bartica Stelling.

According to the report, boat captain, 50-year-old Jules Benjamin was plying the Bartica to Parika route; he left Parika with 23 passengers and as he neared his destination, he saw a small wooden boat, which was powered by a 15 HP outboard engine, about 700 meters in front of him, also heading to Bartica.

Benjamin claimed that as he reached closer to the boat, Bowens suddenly changed his course and collided with his boat. The impact caused Bowens’ engine to fall off the stern and into the water.

A nearby boat then rendered assistance and took the injured Bowens to the Bartica Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

Benjamin is in custody assisting with the investigation.