Guyana: Canoe sank with 6 Venezuela-based students in Cuyuni River

A canoe carrying six school students of Eteringbang Primary School, Guyana, reportedly sank along the Cuyuni River in the surroundings of Eterengbang Landing. The incident took place around 16:45 hrs on Tuesday, January 16.

According to the reports by the officials, the children were returning from school to San Martin, which is near the Venezuelan border when their canoe sank in the water. The students are all from San Martin, Venezuela. The reports added that some individuals observed the canoe sinking in the water following which they took immediate action and went to help them and were able to rescue all the children.

The individuals later rushed children to the Eteringbang Health Center and were examined by Doctor Surujpaul. One student was hospitalised and reported to have water filled in his lungs, while others were sent home.

Although the children looked fine, the doctor reported they were highly traumatised by the unfortunate incident.

The police officials revealed the names of the six children who survived the incident. The victims included nine-year-old Keysha Sanchez of Grade four; eight-year-old Elizabeth Camping of Grade three; six-year-old Keitly Sanchez of Grade one; eleven-year-old Enio Random of Grade six; eight-year-old Eliana Random of Grade three and six-year-old Ashili Random of Grade one, all of Eteringbang Primary School.

Several people on social media have expressed their thankfulness that all the minors were saved from this unfortunate incident.

"Thank God for sparing their lives in Jesus' mighty name, Amen," wrote a user named Sharon Khan, while another user said, "God is awesome. Thank God for sending help early. My heart is literally racing. They are all so small and alone in a canoe."

Another user, RN Dhanpaul, suggested to the government, "Great, govt, please provide water taxis with responsible captains or assist one parent in accumulating a boat."