One dead, six rescued following boat accident in Mazaruni River

The body of a 29-year-old resident of Bartica was on Saturday recovered in the Mazaruni River, hours after he was tossed overboard during an accident a day prior.

The dead man was identified as Oswald Hudson (Jr.) called ‘Sadie’, a driver of First Avenue, Bartica.

Information gathered by the News Room revealed that the incident occurred at around 23:50 hrs on Friday in the vicinity of the BK Quarries Inc.

Hudson (Jr) was among five passengers including two minors who were in a 75-horsepower Yamaha engine boat.

The boat was captained by the dead man’s father, Oswald Hudson (Sr), 60.  They were headed to Bartica.

The other boat, which was involved in the accident was powered by a 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine.

It was captained by 29-year-old Shavez Thomas of Itaballi Landing and had one occupant, Rayon Mohamed, 18.

The News Room understands that while travelling in the river, the two boats collided head on and the occupants were flung overboard.

Reports are that Thomas boat was equipped with lights and the passengers were wearing life jackets.

Following the collision, public-spirited individuals used their boats to render assistance and six of the victims were retrieved from the water. They were taken to the Bartica Hospital for medical assessment.

However Oswald Jr. was not recovered. A search party was launched and at around 17:30 hrs Saturday, Oswald Jr body was found floating in the vicinity of the Mazaruni River.

The body was examined and a gaping wound was seen to his forehead and left knee.

Both boats sank due to extensive damage. An investigation is ongoing into the accident.