Missing boat captain contacts associate, says he is in good health – Police

Police sources have told the News Room that boat captain Frederick Pollard, who was reported missing after allegedly being abducted by members of the Venezuelan Syndicato gang, has made contact with a close associate and assured him that he is in good health.

The News Room was reliably informed that investigators received information that Pollard, a 66-year-old man from Bartica, contacted one of his close associates on Friday, relating that he is safe.

It is the first time Pollard was heard from since August 24. There is still no word on the second man who was also allegedly abducted with Pollard.

At the time of his abduction, the News Room was told that Pollard was working to raise funds for a surgery.

Police sources confirmed to the News Room that the investigation remains active. No arrest has been made in the matter.

Pollard, who operated a metal boat shuttling fuel between Devil Hole Landing and Ekereku Backdam, last contacted his son on August 24 at 07:05 hrs, saying he was returning from a trip with a porter aboard.

His son later received a call from an unknown individual, claiming that Pollard was being held captive by the Syndicato gang near Botanamu Creek, Essequibo River.

Investigators subsequently interviewed a 36-year-old Venezuelan boat captain who reported that while traveling near Black Water Mouth with nine passengers, his vessel was intercepted by armed Syndicato members.

He recounted being forced into a creek, where he and his passengers saw Pollard and another man alive but under guard. The gang allegedly stole a drum of fuel before ordering them to leave.

Police later questioned the nine passengers, all of whom corroborated the captain’s account.