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Fisherman feared drowned after knocked into Pomeroon River
(Kaieteur News) – A 27-year-old fisherman is feared drowned after reportedly being knocked into the Pomeroon River by the wave of a speeding vessel on Thursday morning.
The missing man has been identified as Deodat Sarjoo, a resident of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred around 11:15 hrs. in the vicinity of Manch Wharf, Charity River Dam, Essequibo Coast. Police said Sarjoo had been working for just over two weeks as a fisherman aboard a 42-foot fishing vessel captained by Akash Persaud, 40, of Hope Low Land, East Coast Demerara.
The boat, painted white, red and blue, was crewed by Sarjoo, Persaud and another fisherman, Vishal Heeraman, 28, of Hope Dutch Four, East Coast Demerara. The crew had been conducting drift seine fishing at the mouth of the Pomeroon River and returned to Charity on Tuesday evening with their catch. After the fish were sold on Wednesday, Persaud reportedly paid both men and left Charity, instructing them to purchase ice while he returned home and later brought another worker.
According to police, on Thursday morning Sarjoo and Heeraman prepared to buy ice for the vessel. Sarjoo, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated, was unable to go and instead gave Heeraman $3,000 to hire assistance to load the ice. He remained behind on the boat, saying he intended to cook the remaining anafoo fish stored in the ice box. Heeraman later told investigators that while he was waiting near the Charity River Dam with another worker, Sarjoo went into the boat’s ice box, removed the fish and climbed out.
Moments later, as Sarjoo stood near the outer edge of the vessel facing the river, a speeding boat passed, generating a large wave. The sudden swell reportedly caused Sarjoo to lose his balance and fall into the Pomeroon River. Efforts by Heeraman and the worker to locate Sarjoo immediately after the incident proved unsuccessful. Repeated searches of the surrounding area yielded no sign of the fisherman. The matter was reported to the Charity Police Station at approximately 11:25 hrs. Police ranks led by Sergeant Ramsewak visited the scene shortly after, photographed the vessel and surrounding area, and conducted initial investigations. No CCTV cameras were found in the vicinity. Statements were taken, and investigations are ongoing as search efforts continue. Authorities are urging boat operators to exercise caution and reduce speed near wharves and moored vessels, as dangerous wakes can pose serious risks to those working along the river.
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