Whim fisherman missing after falling overboard in Suriname

A fisherman has gone missing after he reportedly fell into the water during a fishing expedition in the Coppename River, Suriname, on Friday.

The individual missing has been identified as Permaul Punsammy, from Lot 201 Whim, Corentyne Berbice.

His brother, Pellay Punsammy, told the News Room that Permaul set out from the Number 66 landing site with his older brother and two other men on November 26, 2025.

Pellay mentioned that the group was planning to return to Guyana on December 21 or 22. He also said on Friday, family members received a worrying call from the boat’s captain about the incident.

Pellay explained that they were informed that Permaul was casting a seine into the river to catch fish when he fell overboard. After the accident, immediate searches were conducted nearby, but Permaul could not be found.

Pellay stated that the incident has been reported to the Whim Police Station. He mentioned that Permaul’s family and colleagues are actively looking for him.

“I am hoping they can find him. We need some assistance from the Government to get some boats to patrol on the shore,” he said.

Permaul, who has been a fisherman for over 32 years, is a father of six. He also lost his house in a fire earlier this year.