Two found dead after Berbice River boat tragedy – Search on for two others

By Bhisham Mohamed –

The remains of two people who are suspected to have drowned following a boat mishap in the Berbice River in the vicinity of Mara a few days ago are at the Port Mourant Hospital Mortuary. It is also believed that two other persons are missing.
One of the dead has been identified as 14-year old Shaquille Anthony Plass of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice while the other was that of Rudolph Sheriff, 49, of Smythfield, New Amsterdam.
Police spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker in a release stated that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sheriff and Plass.
He disclosed that the body of Sheriff was recovered in the Berbice River in the vicinity of Mara about 09:50h on Tuesday morning while the body of Plass was recovered in the vicinity of Cherry Tree, Berbice River, about 15:00h on Wednesday.
Investigations so far have revealed that on Thursday last, the duo along with Shondell Anthony Plass, 49, of Angoy’s Avenue and Bate Bender, 43, of Morgenstond, Berbice River, had left in a boat from the Canje Creek for Morgenstond. They have not been seen since.
A cousin of the teenager told this newspaper that her cousin left home on Thursday last in the company of his father and two others and never returned. She added that they left with the intention of dropping off an uncle at Morgenstond, who had sustained a broken leg after a fall in the Berbice River.
She related that the teenager’s father who is also called “Blacks” was with him, but unfortunately, they did not return. The relative disclosed that upon the discovery of the teenager, she was taken to Port Mourant Hospital Mortuary.
The relative confirmed that her cousin’s face was extensively damaged which made it difficult for someone to identify him. He was reportedly identified by a band he had around his wrist.
According to information gathered, upon the discovery of Sheriff on Tuesday, police ranks suspected that something was amiss, and travelled up the Berbice River to conduct further search. It was while they were traversing the area, that they spotted the remains of the 14-year-old boy. Police explained that both bodies were severely damaged.
Guyana Times International also understands that police are still trying to ascertain what may have occurred on the trip to Morgenstond, but reports suggest that the five persons might have been in the boat when it left for the farming community. The boat has not been located and police are continuing their investigations.