MARAD investigating fatal Aruka River boat accident

Aug 10, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on Saturday said that it is investigating the fatal boat accident which occurred in the Aruka River, Region One that claimed the life of Ken Wells.

According to a statement from MARAD, the fatal accident which occurred on Friday claimed the life of 20-year-old Wells, a farmer from the Barima River and left his sister, Loraine Wells, hospitalized in critical condition.

MARAD stated that preliminary reports revealed that a 150-horsepower wooden boat, captained by 20-year- old Tirisa Allen, collided with a 15-horsepower balahoo, which was transporting seven passengers and captained by Andrea Albert.

“It was further reported that at approximately 15:00 hrs., Allen was about five minutes steaming time from the Kumaka Waterfront, en-route to Imbitero, when a heavy rainfall resulted in restricted visibility. The balahoo was reportedly spotted about 15 metres but collision avoidance manoeuvre was unsuccessful and the vessels collided,” MARAD reported.

It was noted that Allen reportedly rendered assistance, and all occupants were rescued from the water and subsequently taken to the Mabaruma hospital. This publication understands that around 15:27 hrs on Friday, Ken Wells was pronounced dead on arrival.

As the investigation continues, MARAD urges all boat operators to strictly observe the collision regulations when traveling on the water.

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Aruka River, critical, fatal boat accident, hospitalized, MARAD, Region One

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