Barge with tank of chemicals sink in Cuyuni River

– Truck, pickup, cop’s FN rifle also lost

Demolition experts are likely to assist the Guyana Goldfields Inc. in trying to retrieve a tank containing chemicals—along with a truck, pickup, and the barge transporting them—in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven, last Saturday.

A police corporal who was part of an escort team also lost his FN Rifle and fully loaded magazine when he jumped overboard.
There are reports that the barge may have had a leak and police are said to be taking statements from the crew.

The mishap occurred at around 16.00 hrs at Tapir Landing, an area which is near to Aurora, where Guyana Goldfields Inc. has its operations.
The chemicals were stored in an ISO (International Organization for Standardisation) tank, and there is concern that it may rupture.
The chemical is likely to be a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, commonly used in surface mine blasting.

Big Smith News Watch understands that army ranks, reportedly with knowledge of chemicals, are at the scene.
According to reports, the barge captain, three police ranks, and two drivers were heading to Aurora on the barge when it began to tilt, due to a leak, and eventually sank.

Fortunately, those on board managed to scramble to land.