A tragic workplace accident at Pier 34 (P34) on the Demerara River has left one worker, a Chinese national employed by the contractor for the New Demerara River Bridge project, missing after a rigging operation went awry on the evening of January 8, 2025. The incident marks another unfortunate chapter in what has already been a troubling year for workplace safety in Guyana, as the Ministry of Labour has reported a sharp rise in workplace fatalities.
At approximately 8:20 p.m last evening the worker was involved in off-loading materials from a barge when the rigging operation went wrong, sending the worker into the fast-moving current of the Demerara River. The worker was swiftly carried downstream, and immediate search and rescue operations were initiated by the contractor’s emergency response team. These efforts were quickly supported by the Guyana Coast Guard and police units who were on night patrol in the area.
Despite extensive efforts throughout the night, including the deployment of a trained diver to assist in the search, the worker has yet to be located. As of the morning of January 9, search teams have continued to comb the river and surrounding areas in hopes of finding the missing worker. The contractor is fully cooperating with local authorities, and an investigation into the incident has been launched by the Occupational Health and Safety Department of the Ministry of Labour.
The incident comes at a time when workplace safety in Guyana is under increasing scrutiny. According to the Ministry of Labour, there has been a troubling rise in workplace fatalities, with 32 reported deaths in 2024, representing a 60% increase from the 22 fatalities recorded in 2023. The Ministry has called for urgent action to address these growing concerns and ensure that companies adhere to proper safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, visited the New Demerara Harbour site earlier today to oversee the search efforts and offer support to the team involved in the ongoing recovery operation. Minister Benn conducted site visits between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM, and again from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, to monitor the situation closely.
“The safety of workers is paramount, and we are doing everything in our power to locate the missing worker and provide closure to this tragic incident,” Minister Benn stated. “We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into what led to this accident and ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The search teams, which include the Guyana Defense Force Coast Guard, the Marine Wing of the Guyana Police Force, and other relevant agencies, are working tirelessly along the river and its banks. The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to recover the worker and provide answers to the family and colleagues affected by the incident.
In light of the incident and the troubling rise in workplace fatalities, the Ministry of Labour has reiterated its commitment to improving safety standards across all sectors of the economy. The Ministry has called for a renewed focus on the enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations, as well as increased training for workers in high-risk industries. The Ministry has also pledged to continue its investigation into all workplace accidents and fatalities, ensuring that all companies are held accountable for maintaining a safe working environment.
As of now, the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended its thoughts and prayers to the missing worker’s family and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Updates will be provided as the search efforts continue and more information becomes available.
A release from the Government follows:
At approximately 20:20 hours on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a Chinese national employed by the contractor was involved in an accident during rigging operations at Pier 34 (P34) on the Demerara River. The incident occurred while offloading materials from a barge.
The worker was carried by the swift current downstream. Immediate search and rescue operations were initiated by the company’s emergency response team, with assistance from the Coast Guard and police units on night patrol in the area. Despite extensive efforts throughout the night, including the deployment of a diver, the worker has not been located.
The searching continued throughout the night and will continue until the worker is found. The Contractor is fully cooperating with local authorities and an investigation has been launched by the Occupational Health and Safety Department of the Ministry of Labour to fully investigate the incident.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also issued the following release:
Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, visited the New Demerara River Bridge project earlier today (January 9, 2025) as efforts continue to recover a worker who reportedly fell into the river during the evening.
The Minister conducted site visits from 3:00 am to 5:00 am and again from 7:00 am to 8:00 am to oversee the ongoing search operations and engage with the teams involved.
Search efforts are currently being carried out by the Guyana Defense Force Coast Guard, the Marine Wing of the Guyana Police Force, and other relevant agencies. These teams are working tirelessly along the waterway and surrounding areas to locate the missing worker and bring closure to this unfortunate incident.
The Ministry of Home Affairs remains committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Ministry extends its thoughts and prayers to the worker’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
