A tragic boat accident on Tuesday evening along Karimap Creek has resulted in the death of 59-year-old miner Lennox Smith, known affectionately as “Uncle Becks.” The incident occurred in the Upper Pomeroon River region near St. Monica.
According to reports, Smith, a resident of Kabakaburi Mission, was among eleven passengers who departed from the Charity Waterfront around 4:30 PM in a wooden balahoo powered by a 200HP Yamaha outboard engine. His daughter, Kamila Smith, recounted that the group did not stop at their home in Arpiaco, instead proceeding directly to St. Monica, where they arrived around 5:15 PM.
Upon disembarking, Kamila and the other passengers left her father and one Navin Hendricks on the boat. She recalled that Hendricks had asked Smith to drive the boat, to which he agreed, and they ventured out into the Pomeroon River.
Kamila later learned of her father’s disappearance when a relative informed her of the accident. This prompted an immediate search for Smith. At Hendricks’ residence, authorities found the boat docked with branches and leaves inside, raising concerns about the circumstances of the incident.
Efforts to contact Hendricks were unsuccessful, but Smith’s body was subsequently recovered from the Pomeroon River near Karimap Creek. Reports indicated that the body showed signs of trauma, with bloodshot marks on the right side of his face and blood oozing from his mouth and ears.
In connection with the investigation, Navin Hendricks has been arrested and is currently assisting police with inquiries. The incident has left the community in shock as they mourn the loss of a beloved member. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
