Passengers were evacuated after a vessel ran aground and later caught fire along a riverbank near Morawhanna, Region One, on Sunday evening, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard said it responded at about 19:15 hrs on April 19, 2026, after a vessel, later confirmed to be owned by the Guyana Elections Commission, ran aground while en route to Kumaka with nine passengers on board. Preliminary reports indicated reduced visibility due to rainfall at the time.
Rescue teams assisted in evacuating the passengers, who were transported to Kumaka and subsequently transferred to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for medical attention.
At about 21:13 hrs, the Coast Guard, in coordination with the Guyana Police Force, returned to the scene after reports that the vessel had caught fire. On arrival, the fire had intensified and was beyond control, compounded by the vessel’s position inland from the riverbank.
A follow-up assessment at about 06:00 hrs on April 20, 2026, confirmed that the vessel was extensively damaged by fire and partially submerged due to high tide conditions.
The Coast Guard said it continues to support relevant authorities as investigations into the incident continue.
