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GECOM boat used without permission crashed, burnt – probe finds
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed on Wednesday that its vessel involved in a riverine accident on Sunday was being operated without permission and was not performing official duties at the time of the crash. Preliminary internal investigations revealed that the GECOM-owned boat, which ran aground in the Barima River, Region 1, was engaged in an unauthorised trip. The commission further clarified that none of the nine passengers on board were employees of or affiliated with the agency.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 PM on April 19, 2026, near Morawhanna. According to reports from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, the vessel was en route to Kumaka when it collided with a sandbank. Investigators believe reduced visibility caused by heavy rainfall contributed to the grounding.
Burnt remains of crashed GECOM boat
Coast Guard personnel executed a swift rescue operation, evacuating the injured passengers to Kumaka. The victims were later transferred to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for medical treatment. GECOM expressed “sincere appreciation” to the Coast Guard for their rapid response, noting that their intervention likely prevented more serious injuries or loss of life.
Authorities returned to the site at 9:13 PM following reports that the grounded vessel had caught fire. By the time the Coast Guard and Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrived, the blaze had intensified. Because the boat was positioned inland from the riverbank, responders were unable to control the flames. A follow-up assessment at dawn on Monday confirmed the vessel was a total loss. The wreckage remained partially submerged due to high tide. The origin of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation. The GECOM-employed captain of the vessel is currently in police custody. Officials stated he is cooperating with the GPF as they work to determine how the government asset was deployed for private use.
“GECOM will continue to cooperate fully with the Guyana Police Force in its ongoing investigations,” the commission said in a statement. “The outcome of those investigations will determine the appropriate way forward regarding disciplinary or legal actions.”
The commission extended its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured passengers as the joint investigation between the police and the Coast Guard continues.
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- Barima River, boat, crash, fire, GECOM
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Blunt of the day
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Sir. Ronald Sanders
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Make the Captain of the vessel an Example to prevent such future endeavour.
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