GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – At least two people were killed after a Coast Guard vessel collided with a civilian boat in the Moruca River, Region One (Barima Waini) on Friday.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in a statement, said the Coast Guard Raiders Craft 17 (RC 17) was involved in the accident with the civilian vessel at approximately 06:45 hrs (local time).
“The Coast Guard vessel was en route to Santa Rosa at the time but collided with a civilian boat with four (4) occupants whilst negotiating a turn,” the GPF said, adding that the Coast Guard Vessel was damaged and is currently at the base in the Pomeroon River.
It said that the civilian vessel had three adults and one baby on board, while the RC 17 carried Coast Guard personnel.
The operator of the unnamed civilian vessel and the mother of a baby died as a result of the accident. They were pronounced dead at the Charity Hospital. Their names were not disclosed.
The GDF said that the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force “extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time”.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said it had launched an investigation into the accident.
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