The bodies of Rajindra Singh and his son Detesh Singh have been recovered, bringing a somber conclusion to the search efforts following a boat accident in the Berbice River. Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon confirmed the discovery on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
The incident occurred on Friday, February 28, when a group of five men embarked on an iguana hunting expedition. The crew departed from the Blairmont sluice at approximately 8:30 AM, using a 15-foot wooden boat equipped with a 15 horsepower Marine outboard engine.
Details of the Accident
The boat capsized in the vicinity of Bermine, East Bank Berbice, when it was struck by a heavy wave while returning from the hunting trip. All five occupants were thrown overboard.
The Survivors
Three of the five men managed to swim to safety:
- Sirjoo Persaud (known as ‘Popo’), the boat captain
- Mahatma Dhanraj (known as ‘Romeo’), 37 years old
- Mark (surname not provided)
Both Persaud and Dhanraj are cane harvesters from West Bank Berbice.
Search and Recovery
Following the incident, an extensive search operation was launched. Initially, only the boat was recovered, which was secured at the Coast Guard base. The search continued over the weekend, culminating in the recovery of the bodies of Rajindra and Detesh Singh on Sunday.
This tragic event underscores the importance of water safety and proper precautions when engaging in recreational activities on rivers. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of water bodies and the need for constant vigilance, even for experienced boaters and hunters.
The loss of a father and son in this accident has undoubtedly left a deep impact on their family and the local community. As investigations continue, authorities may review safety measures for recreational boating in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
