GDF rescues 5 from sinking cargo ship

CMC – The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) says the Coast Guard on Thursday rescued five men hours after the cargo vessel they were in began sinking.

In a statement on Saturday, the GDF says the incident occurred approximately 5.2 nautical miles off Leonora, West Coast of Demerara.

The men were onboard cargo vessel AMAYA which was ladened with cement and stone.

According to the GDF, the vessel was grounded on a sandbank late Wednesday.

The statement said that early Thursday as the crew was awaiting high tide to depart, rough water conditions caused the vessel to begin taking in water.

This prompted the crew to seek assistance and shortly after the GDF Coast Guard responded and successfully rescued the five men.

“The Coast Guard responded and upon arrival, it was observed that the vessel was sinking,” GDF said in the statement.

The men were safely extracted and transported to Coast Guard Headquarters.

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