Two injured in Mazaruni River boat mishap

Two persons were injured on Monday after the boat they were travelling in collided with another boat in the Mazaruni River.

The injured persons were identified as Victorine Miguel and Clifton Adams of Batavia Village, Region Seven.

They along with two others, Tyndall Miguel and Aaron Miguel were occupants of a canoe boat.

Police Headquarters said a 75 HP Yamaha outboard engine boat captained by Junior Gaddett collided with them around 02:00hrs.

Gaddett is unlicensed to operate the boat which was transporting three passengers, Edeena Smith, Ishmael Smith and Temera Smith.

According to a Police report, enquiries disclosed that at the time of the mishap, the victims were returning home from a wedding held in Batavia Village.

Police Headquarters said at around 01:50hrs, the occupants of the canoe boat departed the landing near the wedding house.

Minutes later, the other victims left in their boat.

“The location was very dark, so an occupant from boat 1, Aaron Miguel, used the light from a cellphone screen to wave in hopes that the captain of boat 2 would see him, “Police said.

However, their effort failed, resulting in Gaddett colliding with the canoe, tossing the occupants of the boat overboard.

Upon realizing what had occurred Police said Gaddett rendered assistance and rescued all the occupants.

It was later discovered that Adams suffered a dislocated elbow while Miguel received injuries to his forehead.

As a result, they were taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were admitted.

Gaddett is said to be assisting with the investigation.