Chaos erupted In the Essequibo River earlier Tuesday afternoon after a passenger vessel en route to Parika collided with a fishing vessel.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 17:00 hrs, just off Wakenaam Island in the Essequibo River. Reports are that as the boat negotiated a turn, it collided with a fishing boat.
Big Smith News Watch was told that both vessels quickly took on water and sank in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, passengers were rescued by another passing boat. They were later taken to Parika, after boarding a second rescue boat.
All the victims were reportedly accounted for, and the only injuries received were minor. There are reports, however, that persons lost most of their valuables in their bid to stay alive.