Authorities reviewing all protocols as Georgetown wharf tragedy probe continues

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith has confirmed that all protocols surrounding the recent tragedy at the Courtney Benn wharf on Water Street, Georgetown, which resulted in the death of four men, are currently under review.

“The investigation is still going… All the protocols involved are being reviewed and assessed right now,” Griffith told reporters recently.

He said that the ministry is awaiting the final report from the Police. Once that is available, he said, details will be provided to the public.

The incident which occurred on February 4 resulted in the deaths of 18-year-old Brandon Deonarine, a seaman of Support, East Bank Demerara; 57-year-old Nerwaine Persaud, a boat captain of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; 33-year-old Dominic Alexis, a seaman of De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara; and 25-year-old Getindra Sanchara, an engineer of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

The News Room was told that Persaud and Deonarine were the first to enter the engine room at the bottom of a cargo barge to conduct a dry inspection.

Moments later, both men collapsed. Alexis rushed in to assist them but also lost consciousness, followed by Sanchara in a final attempt to help.

A 66-year-old seaman told investigators that when he attempted to go down into the confined space, he felt chest stiffness and difficulty breathing, prompting him to retreat and call emergency services from the deck.

The four men were transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were pronounced dead.

There has been no official word from the Guyana Police Force on the autopsy results; those post-mortem examinations were reportedly conducted on Monday.

Police said samples were taken from the bodies and submitted to the forensic laboratory for examination.

Griffith told reporters that he is unaware of any toxicology reports or assessments being requested at this stage.