Fisherman feared drowned after falling into Pomeroon River

Police in Regional Division Two are investigating a river incident that resulted in the suspected drowning of a 27-year-old fisherman.

Missing is Deodat Sarjoo of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara. Reports are that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 11:15h in the Pomeroon River, in the vicinity of Manch Wharf, Charity Riverdam, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to the police, Sarjoo had been employed for approximately 18 days as a fisherman aboard a drift seine fishing vessel owned by 40-year-old Akash Persaud of Hope Low Land, East Coast Demerara. The vessel normally operates at the Pomeroon River mouth, spending up to 10 days at sea.

Sarjoo and fellow fisherman Vishal Heeraman, known as “Fat Boy”, 28, of Hope Doch Four, East Coast Demerara, were working on the vessel, and on Tuesday, the captain, along with Sarjoo and Heeraman, arrived at Charity at about 20:00h, where the boat was moored at Manch Wharf with their catch, and the fish was sold on Wednesday at about 11:00h.

Police said Sarjoo and Heeraman were each given $6000 to purchase ice. The captain reportedly told them he was going home and would return on Thursday with another worker.

On Thursday at about 10:00h, Sarjoo and Heeraman collected empty ice bags from the boat and set out to purchase ice. However, Sarjoo was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and was unable to proceed. The captain later gave Heeraman $3000 to pay someone to assist with loading the ice and told him that fish left in the icebox would be prepared upon his return.

Heeraman alleged that while he was on the Charity Riverdam near the wharf with a worker waiting for transport, Sarjoo was seen walking along the wharf before entering the boat. He reportedly went into the icebox, removed fish, and while standing at the side of the icebox facing the Pomeroon River, a speedboat passed in the direction of the Charity Wharf. The resulting waves allegedly caused Sarjoo to lose his balance and fall into the river.

Heeraman and the worker searched for Sarjoo but did not see him. Further checks of the surrounding area were made without success. Heeraman subsequently reported the matter to the Charity Police Station.

Police ranks visited the scene. The vessel and surrounding area were photographed, and checks were made for CCTV cameras, but none were found. Statements have been taken, and investigations are continuing.