Police are currently investigating the deaths of four crew members who collapsed aboard a cargo vessel docked at a wharf on Water Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The incident occurred while the men were on duty aboard the vessel. Investigators report that the crew entered a confined area near the engine room when they became overwhelmed and collapsed.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Brandon Deonarine, 18, a seaman from Support, East Bank Demerara
- Nerwaine Persaud, 57, a boat captain from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara
- Dominique Alexis, 33, a seaman from De Kendren, West Coast Demerara
- Getindra Sanchara, 25, an engineer from Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara
Preliminary findings indicate that the men were inspecting a dry space within the engine room and were likely exposed to noxious fumes. Other crew members raised the alarm, prompting an emergency response.
Emergency Medical Technicians and officers from the Guyana Fire Service arrived at the scene. The four men were subsequently removed from the vessel and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were pronounced dead by the attending physician.
Their bodies are now at the hospital’s mortuary, and post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have stated that investigations are ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.
