Fishing boat destroyed by fire in Adventure, arson suspected

A fishing boat was engulfed in flames early Wednesday morning, and authorities suspect arson as the cause.

Sherilyn Bhagwandin, the 36-year-old owner of the boat, told reporters that she received the alarming news from another boat owner at the Adventure landing site.

Accompanied by her husband, Manie Bhagwandin, who captained the vessel, they promptly went to the location around 8:00 am to assess the situation.

Sherilyn said that after thoroughly investigating the incident, she reported her findings at the Whim Police Station, raising concerns over the destruction of her family’s livelihood.

The couple employed four crew members who relied on the boat for regular fishing trips, returning from their last excursion on November 1st and scheduled to head out again on November 5th.

“It’s affecting me because this is what my husband do. I have three children this is all we depend on,” she stated.

The boat was equipped with a 60 Yamaha engine, 2,000-pound seines, an icebox, and a gasoline drum, all of which were irreparably damaged in the fire.

Manie lamented the loss, stating, “Long me work sea, me and nobody never get no problem.”

The couple estimates the damages at 8 million dollars and is urging police to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the crime.

As they face the reality of extensive damage to their vessel, they are now considering alternative sources of income.

Thom Fernandez, the acting Berbice Divisional Fire Officer, confirmed that firefighters from the Rose Hall Town Fire Station responded swiftly to the emergency, containing the blaze and preventing further damage.

Following investigations, Fernandez stated that the fire was intentionally set.