MARAD says detained go-fast boat owned by Opposition Leader is unlicensed

Following the detention of the a go-fast boat belonging to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, the Maritime Administration Department has indicated that the boat is unlicensed and Mr. Mohamed is also not licensed to be operating a vessel.

In its statement this afternoon, MARAD said based on its records, neither the fast craft nor Mr. Azruddin Mohamed is licensed or otherwise authorised to operate.

The Maritime body noted that the operation of vessels by unlicensed persons, or the use of unlicensed or unregistered vessels, presents a serious and unacceptable risk to passengers, crew, other waterway users, property, and the marine environment, adding that the the activities contribute to preventable maritime accidents and incidents and compromise the safety of Guyana’s waterways.

“Persons found operating vessels without the required licences or authorisation may be subject to enforcement action in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations”, MARAD stated, while explaining that the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, pursuant to its mandate under the Defence Act, is empowered to enforce the provisions of every law relating to maritime safety and security.

Mohamed’s boat was detained by the Coast Guard late last night after it was intercepted at a wharf in Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara. The Opposition Leader and a group of his Members of Parliament had just returned from an outreach to Region One to meet with families of victims and survivors of the MV Barima tragedy.

Searches were conducted on the vessel and it was towed to the Coast Guard headquarters and detained. Mr. Mohamed was also taken into custody but was later released on $100,000 station bail. His party has stated that he was not operating the vessel.

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