Two months on, probe into four deaths on wharf still ongoing

Apr 09, 2026 News

Names under each photo

Kaieteur News – Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith says there is still no update on the ministry’s investigation into the deaths of four men aboard a cargo vessel earlier this year.

Fireman Voshaun Manbodh

The incident occurred on 4^th February at the Courtney Benn Wharf, where the vessel was docked.

Those who lost their lives were 18-year-old seaman Brandon Deonarine of Supply, East Bank Demerara; boat captain Nerwaine Persaud, 57, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; seaman Dominic Alexis, 33, of De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara; and engineer Getindra Sanchara, 25, also of Cummings Lodge. Persaud and Sanchara were uncle and nephew.

“I am not able to give you an update at this moment,” Griffith told Kaieteur News when contacted.

The minister noted that investigations, which were ongoing more than two months ago, have still not been concluded.

When asked about another workplace fatality-the death of fireman Voshaun Manbodh during a fire at Mae’s Schools last year-Griffith said he would first need to review the status of that probe.

“I would need to request the report and see what’s happening with it… whether an investigation was done, whether it’s complete, and what the circumstances are,” he explained, noting that he was not at the ministry at the time of that incident.

In a message marking the start of Occupational Safety and Health Month 2026, Griffith stressed the importance of workplace safety and the need to remember those affected by such incidents.

“Every worker… has a fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment,” he said, adding that this standard must be upheld across all sectors.

He also emphasised shared responsibility, noting that employers must ensure proper systems, equipment, and training are in place, while employees must follow safety protocols. Trade unions, he added, should continue advocating for safe working conditions.

According to the Guyana Police Force, initial investigations into the February incident suggest the men were exposed to toxic fumes while examining a confined compartment in the vessel’s engine room.

Police reported that two of the men entered the space and collapsed, while the others subsequently attempted to assist and also lost consciousness.

Emergency responders, including the Guyana Fire Service, removed the men from the vessel and transported them to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities have indicated that there were no signs of violence and foul play is not suspected.

Investigations remain ongoing.

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57, Brandon Deonarine of Supply, East Bank Demerara; boat captain Nerwaine Persaud, East Coast Demerara; seaman Dominic Alexis, of Cummings Lodge

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