Suriname will observe a national day of mourning on Wednesday as the country reels from a deadly boating accident that occurred Sunday near the Tapoekoe/Bamboesi area in the Marowijne district.
The incident, which took place on the border river between Suriname and French Guiana, has so far claimed three lives, with several others still missing.
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi made the official declaration, announcing that all flags on public buildings and ships moored at the quay will be flown at half-mast in honor of the victims.
According to the Communication Service Suriname (CDS), President Santokhi is also expected to sign the book of condolence on Wednesday at the press centre of the Office of the President. Investigations by authorities in both Suriname and French Guiana into the cause of the tragedy are ongoing.
On Monday, President Santokhi said he was “deeply shocked” to have learnt of the boating accident, which involved a group of family members returning to Saint-Laurent from Albina after attending a funeral. All of the victims are reportedly from one family based in Saint-Laurent.
The Suriname Police Force (KPS) reported that the aluminium boat, which was carrying 12 people, capsized mid-river “presumably due to a gust of wind, causing the boat to end up in a large wave and sink as a result.” So far, police have confirmed the recovery of three bodies and the survival of four passengers. The names of the vessel and its captain have not yet been officially released.
Among the survivors is an 11-year-old boy who, according to rescue workers from Saint-Laurent, managed to cling to a tree branch until help arrived.
Political parties across the country have expressed their sympathy and solidarity with the affected families.
“What happened is not only a tragedy for the relatives, but also for society as a whole. As a party, we could not have imagined that such a tragic accident would occur. The loss of family members, friends and loved ones not only affects families, but plunges society as a whole into mourning,” said the Progressive Reform Party (VHP).
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this painful event. The loss is great, the grief immeasurable. Words fail to describe the suffering that the relatives must now bear. May the victims rest in peace,” said the General Liberation and Development Party, which is led by Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk.
The search and rescue mission continues as the nation mourns.
