A 55-year-old businessman/boat captain, John Henry called “Johnny”, of Kumaka Waterfront, Moruca, North-West District, was killed, and his nephew, Stephon, is currently hospitalised following a boat mishap at the Moruca River Mouth, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Friday.
The incident occurred at around 16:00h as the two men were returning to Kumaka via a boat, owned and operated by Henry.
Based on reports, they had left to go to Charity to purchase groceries and other supplies for their shop. While on the Essequibo Coast, however, Henry was reportedly seen consuming alcohol before eventually departing with his nephew at around 15:40h to return home.
But on the way to Kumaka, along the Moruca River Mouth, the boat operator reportedly lost control of the vessel and collided into a large tree limb that was leaning over the southern side of the river. The right bow of the boat struck the tree, causing extensive damage to the entire right side of the vessel. As a result of the impact, the deceased sustained severe injuries to his body, while his nephew, who was seated on the left side of the boat, also sustained injuries.
Another boat captain of Moruca, Amear Shahabodeen, told investigators that he had seen an intoxicated Henry earlier at the Charity wharf and enquired, “Uncle Johnny, you good?”
He said Henry responded by giving him a thumbs-up.
According to Shahabodeen, around 16:30h, whilst travelling back to Moruca by boat, he observed several broken pieces of white-painted wood floating in the river. He then noticed the deceased’s boat at the side of the river with extensive damage. Henry was observed lying unconscious in the boat. He enquired from the nephew what had transpired; but Stephon related that he had fainted and was unable to provide an account of the incident.
Both Henry and his nephew were placed on Shahabodeen’s boat and transported to the Kumaka District Hospital, where they received medical treatment. While there, however, Henry succumbed to his injuries at about 17:04h on Friday. His body is currently at the Moruca District Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, Stephon was subsequently transferred to Lima Public Hospital, where he is currently admitted as a patient. His condition is regarded as stable.
Investigations are ongoing.
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