Guyana Police investigate two separate maritime fatalities

The Guyana Police Force is investigating two distinct maritime incidents involving fatalities.

In the first incident, 66-year-old Venezuelan diver Luis Martinez died during underwater operations approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Anna Regina. Martinez was reportedly participating in efforts connected to the salvage of the MV Barima, a vessel that sank in July. According to police, Martinez entered the water on Wednesday, October 28, but failed to resurface after 20 minutes. He was retrieved by his crew and pronounced dead at a wharf in Georgetown. An examination showed no marks of violence, and a post-mortem examination is pending.

In a separate incident on November 1, 2026, 20-year-old prison officer Shalom Andrews died following a boat collision on the Essequibo River near Bartica. Andrews, who was attached to the Mazaruni Prison, was involved in the accident near Third Avenue. The Guyana Prison Service and the Ministry of Home Affairs have issued condolences following his death. Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.