Police are investigating a tragic river mishap that led to the death of Davenand Williams, a 34-year-old man from Kangaruma Village, in the Middle Mazaruni River region.
The incident occurred near Fish Pond, involving a collision between a jet boat and a wooden boat.
According to the investigation, a jet boat, known as the River Quest and captained by Odil Cozier, was navigating upstream towards Isseneru Village, located on the right bank of the Mazaruni River. Cozier was carrying four passengers and cargo at the time.
On the opposite side of the river, Williams and another passenger, James McKenzie, were traveling in a wooden boat powered by a 40-horsepower outboard engine.
As the two vessels approached each other, Cozier reportedly noticed the wooden boat and attempted to steer his jet boat further to the side to avoid a collision. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the wooden boat veered into the path of the jet boat.
The collision caused the wooden boat to capsize, throwing Williams and McKenzie into the water. Passengers aboard the jet boat quickly responded, pulling the two men from the river and transporting them to Issano Landing. Despite efforts to assist, Dr. Wilson, who was on site, pronounced Williams dead.
Williams, of Amerindian descent, was found to have sustained significant injuries to his face. McKenzie, meanwhile, was injured in his legs and upper back but was reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Police are examining both the actions of the jet boat’s captain and the sequence of events leading up to the fatal incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together more details.
The tragic event has shaken the close-knit community of Kangaruma Village, where Williams was well-known.
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