AGRI Min Hopeful for Safe Return of Missing Fishermen
October 22 2025
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has expressed optimism that the four Guyanese fisherfolk who went missing in Surinamese waters will be found alive and returned safely to shore.
Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event in Region Five on Wednesday, Minister Mustapha said he has been in contact with Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname to obtain updates on the situation.
“It is very unfortunate that four of our fisherfolk would’ve been lost at sea. Presently, I don’t know what the circumstances are. I’ve spoken to our ambassador to get some more information, and hopefully by the end of today I can get some updates,” the Minister stated.
According to reports, the men had embarked on a fishing trip when their vessel began taking in water. Minister Mustapha explained that, based on preliminary information, the crew had sent out several distress calls before contact was lost.
“We are very concerned because generally when our fisherfolk encounter difficulties like those, we tend to work along with our Coast Guard and other agencies to locate them. However, this incident took place in Surinamese waters,” he noted.
The Minister expressed hope that the ongoing efforts by Surinamese authorities would yield positive results.
“I’ve seen reports that the Surinamese authorities have sent out their patrols and helicopters to look for these guys. I am hoping that by the end of the day, I can get more information from our ambassador over there and then put out an official statement from the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said, adding that he remains optimistic about the crew’s safe return.
Reports from the Jamaica Observer indicated that rescue teams in Suriname are continuing the search for the four Guyanese nationals, who are now feared dead, after their fishing boat sank in the Saramacca River near Lareco on Saturday evening.
The Saramacca River is a vital waterway for Maroon communities who rely on it for transportation and trade. According to police in Suriname, a report was received early Monday morning that the crew had been seen floating on ice cubes. Residents in the area had launched their own search using small boats, but were unsuccessful.
The Surinamese National Army Marine Corps and Groningen Police have since been deployed to assist in the search efforts.
