UPDATE: Baby survives, mother dies following boat collision

The Guyana Defence Force Friday morning confirmed reports of a collision between a Coast Guard vessel and a civilian boat in the Moruca River, Region One (Barima Waini), resulting in the loss of two lives.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the collision between the Coast Guard Raiders Craft 17 (RC 17) and the civilian vessel occurred at approximately 06:45 hrs.

The civilian vessel was occupied by three adults and a baby while the RC 17 carried personnel from the Coast Guard.

Unfortunately, the vessel operator and the baby’s mother sustained severe injuries. They were transported to the Charity Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The Coast Guard personnel aboard the RC 17 have not reported any injuries. The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into the incident.

The Guyana Police Force also released a statement on the incident. While neither the GDF nor GPF named the deceased persons, the News Room understands that the dead man is Adrian Thomas, a resident of Kumaka Road, Santa Rosa Village. Helen Rebai of Waikrebi Village along the Barama River was identified as the second victim in the Moruca River boat mishap.

“The Coast Guard vessel was at the time en route to Santa Rosa but collided with a civilian boat with four (4) occupants, whilst negotiating a turn,” the GPF said.

The Coast Guard Vessel was damaged and is currently at the Base in the Pomeroon River.