Search continues for missing crew- authorities

Last Updated on Friday, 15 August 2014, 0:40 by GxMedia

Rescuers intensified a search Thursday for the two men who remained missing after a Motor Tanker ‘Swift Dolphin’ capsized off the Corentyne Coast in Guyana waters, the Transport and Harbours Department said in a statement.

The vessel, which was sailing to Georgetown from Suriname, capsized on Tuesday August 12, 2014 around 21:10 hrs about 49 nautical miles at St. Andrews Point. The Captain and a crew member are still missing.

Sources have told Demerara Waves Online News that the survivors have been positively identified as Augustus Persaud and Anthony Sukhdeo. Persaud was injured but his condition is not serious. Those feared drowned are Patrick Constantine and the Captain of the vessel, Kayman Rickram Persaud.

Earlier today, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) skyvan did an aerial reconnaissance of the area. In addition, the Hampton Rose – re-supply vessel – was deployed to the area. It departed the Boat House, Stabroek Market at 14:30 hrs and is expected to reach the site around 21:00 hrs.

According to Harbour Master (ag), Michael Tennant, three Surveyors, a diver and a Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard Officer are onboard Hampton Rose. Upon their arrival they are tasked with marking the wreckage, and scour the area for the missing men.

Furthermore, Oldenboff a bauxite company that operates out of the Berbice River has also dispatched a vessel to join the rescue exercise.

Meanwhile, the two rescued crew, who are onboard MV Joanna I, are expected to arrive sometime this evening at Port Georgetown. There they will be met by MARAD officials, Coast Guard, members of the Guyana Police Force and a Government medical officer.

MARAD’s Search and Rescue Centre remains activated.  No conclusion has been arrived at as yet with respect to the fate of the missing men.