‘Rasta’ missing following Mazaruni River boat mishap

The Guyana Police Force is leading search and rescue efforts for a man called ‘Rasta’ who was reported missing after the boat he was traveling along the Mazaruni River collided with a rock and sank on Tuesday night.

Almost 24 hours later, the man remains missing.

According to a statement from Police Headquarters, the river mishap occurred at about 20:40hrs at a waterfall in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven.

The police said investigations revealed that Shojhi Roberts, a 32-year-old Ranger of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni, borrowed the village’s wooden Balahoo boat and left with Rasta and another man who was identified as Mark Benn.

They were headed to Apaiqua Landing.

It was disclosed that while navigating the river near a waterfall in the area, the boat collided with a rock, causing the occupants to be flung out of the boat and into the river.

The boat sank.

Roberts and Benn managed to swim to shore, however, Rasta was not seen.

An alarm was raised and efforts to find the man proved futile.

The matter was reported to the Police and ranks, and villagers formed a search party which is presently ongoing for the missing person.  Roberts is in Police custody as the investigation continues.