A 28-year-old miner died Saturday after two wooden boats collided along the Pomeroon River in Region Two.
Dead is Ron Jacabus, of Kabakaburi, Upper Pomeroon River. According to information received, Jacabus was operating a 13-foot wooden boat powered by a 15-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine when it collided with a 17-foot wooden boat, also powered by a 15-horsepower Yamaha engine.
The second boat was reportedly being operated by an 11-year-old boy. The child reportedly told investigators that he was returning home after taking his mother to church when the accident occurred.
He said that while attempting to make a right turn, he saw Jacabus’ boat coming directly toward him. The boy reportedly tried to avoid a collision by turning left, but Jacabus’ boat also moved in the same direction.
The right side of Jacabus’ boat then collided with the right side of the child’s boat before striking the canal bank.
The boy reportedly said he did not see Jacabus after the collision and went home to inform his brother. The two later returned to the scene.
When they arrived, Jacabus’ boat was seen overturned, with its bottom facing upward. A check was made under the boat, but Jacabus was not found.
The boy’s brother then entered the canal and began searching. He was later assisted by two of Jacabus’ brothers.
About 15 minutes later, Jacabus’ body was recovered from the creek in an unresponsive state.
He was taken to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is underway.
