PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Jun 2, CMC -President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Monday said he is “deeply shocked” to have learnt of the boating accident on Sunday night on the border river between Suriname and French Guiana that has so far claimed the lives of three people.
“Our security services are working hard on the rescue operation. I wish the relatives and loved ones of the victims much strength in these dark days. Let us pray for the peace of the souls of the deceased. Further information will be announced in due time,” Santokhi said in a statement.
The boating incident occurred when a group of family members were returning to Saint-Laurent from Albina after attending a funeral. All victims are said to be part of one family from Saint-Laurent.
The names of the vessel and the captain have not yet been officially released. It had left the indigenous village of Bamboesi on the Marowijne River.
The search is continuing for the persons missing and feared dead after the boat capsized near the Tapoekoe/Bamboesi area in the Marowijne district in the Albina resort
Police have confirmed that 12 people (ed: correct) were on board the boat and that three bodies have so far been recovered. Four passengers survived the accident. They have been identified as: Tariq Ision (8), Lena Asaiti (19), Graciabeth Alatoe (65), and a fourth person whose personal details have not yet been fully confirmed. All four were transferred to French Guiana for medical treatment.
They said that one other person had been rescued and the search is continuing for the other six people. The rescued person is an 11-year-old boy who, according to rescue workers from Saint-Laurent, managed to cling to a tree branch.
“It is a miracle that he survived,” said a French aid worker on the scene.
Rescue operations are continuing on both the Surinamese and French sides of the river. Local residents, marine units and firefighters are working closely together in the search.
“We will continue searching as long as there is hope,” said a spokesperson for the French emergency services.
An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched in both Suriname and French Guiana.
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