Eight injured in Canje Creek boat collision

Eight people were injured on Tuesday afternoon when two boats collided in the vicinity of Pat Walla, Canje Creek, Berbice.

The incident occurred around 14:30 hours as a private boat carrying eight members of a Ministry of Health and Social Services medical outreach team was reportedly navigating the area.

Police said the medical team had departed Barakara at about 13:00 hours. Meanwhile, an unregistered boat powered by a 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine, carrying eight passengers, including several children, was heading towards Barakara Village when the two vessels collided head-on.

The captain of the unregistered boat, a 38-year-old Guyanese security guard from Barakara Creek, was among those injured.
All eight injured persons were taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor.

The injured boat captain was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical treatment, while the other seven passengers remain at the New Amsterdam hospital under observation.

The captain of the private boat was identified as a 35-year-old resident of Kimba.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.