The body of Tactical Services Unit (TSU) rank, Akeem Hyles, was this afternoon “spotted” by a search and rescue team which had been deployed after the boat he was in capsized this morning along the Potaro River.
INews understands that while the body has not be recovered as yet, it was “spotted” earlier this afternoon in the Potaro river. All efforts are being made currently to recover the body.
The young Police officer hailed from New Amsterdam in Berbice, and has been described by seniors in that Guyana Police Force Division as an “excellent rank who will be missed.”
According to a source, the boat in which Hyles was in had been transporting officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) as well as ranks attached to the TSU. The boat reportedly hit a rock in the Potaro River resulting in it capsizing.
The accident is said to have taken place this morning but it was until sometime this afternoon that an official report was made that the TSU rank had been unaccounted for.
“This is because when it happened they had to make sure they were searching as much as they could to find him before they said anything. Then after failing to find him they had to make contact and report that he was still missing,” the police source told INews.
Meanwhile, Commander of “F” Division, Ravindradat Budhram, explained that the Cuyuni-Mazaruni areas especially the Potaro River, can be deadly for those who are not familiar with the route and traversing it.
He said that while investigations are on-going into the matter, if indeed the boat collided with rocks then such an outcome is not surprising.
“The Captain has to know the river…there are a lot of rocks in that same river (Potaro)…if any Captain does not know this river then they can’t make it,” the Budhram commented. (Kristen Macklingam)
When traveling in those areas it must be a requirement that a life jacket be used at all times. Period!!!
This is very sad. My prayers go out to the family and co workers.