20-Y-O Prison Officer killed boat collision at Mazaruni

November 1 2026

A 20-year-old prison officer was killed early Sunday after the Guyana Prison Service vessel in which he was travelling collided with another boat on the Mazaruni River, near Bartica.

The deceased, identified as Prison Officer Shalom Andrews, reportedly sustained severe injuries when the impact hurled him against the side of the prison service vessel.

BIG Smith News Watch understands that Andrews and several other prison officers had just departed the Mazaruni Prison and were heading towards the Bartica Stelling when the two metal vessels collided at about 5:30 hrs.

Sources described the other vessel as a cargo boat transporting fuel and other supplies to the interior. It reportedly failed to stop and render assistance following the collision.

Police sources have since confirmed that the other vessel has not yet been located and that a joint search is currently in progress. The captain of the prison service vessel is at the police station assisting with the investigation.

Andrews was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A female Guyana Prison Service rank who was also aboard the vessel reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Relatives said Andrews was among the prison officers who had recently graduated.

In a statement, the Guyana Prison Service expressed condolences to Andrews’ family and loved ones, while confirming that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.