By Mark DaCosta- In a troubling incident on the border of our homeland, a soldier from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has gone missing after reportedly falling into the Cuyuni River during a river patrol. The GDF has mobilised its resources in the search for Lance Corporal Stefon Tudor, who disappeared near the Makapa rapids on Thursday afternoon.
The unfortunate event is said to have occurred between 2:00 and 3:00 PM while the soldier was part of a routine riverain patrol in the Cuyuni River, which serves as a natural boundary between our country and Venezuela. Troops stationed at Eteringbang and Makapa have been deployed to search for him, demonstrating the commitment of the GDF to locate their missing comrade. In addition, the GDF has kept Lance Corporal Tudor’s family informed about the ongoing plight, highlighting the operational safety of all ranks as a priority.
The search efforts reflect the determination of the GDF to wholeheartedly engage in locating Lance Corporal Tudor, with spokespersons affirming that there will be no reluctance in allocating necessary resources for a thorough search. The circumstances of Tudor’s fall into the river are currently under scrutiny, prompting a Board of Inquiry to be set up to investigate the incident. This inquiry aims to uncover any factors that may have contributed to the soldier’s unfortunate situation.
The Cuyuni River is a crucial waterway that flows along the border of Guyana and Venezuela, and it is frequently patrolled by the GDF due to the strategic nature of the area amid ongoing tensions. The region has seen increased military vigilance, reflecting the GDF’s need to safeguard our national integrity while ensuring the safety of their personnel.
