Six crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard after the cement-laden motor vessel LADY SANDRA suffered engine failure, ran aground and began taking in water off the Clonbrook foreshore, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, confirmed that the vessel was transporting a consignment of cement from Georgetown to New Amsterdam, Berbice, when the incident occurred.
According to MARAD, the vessel departed Georgetown on Saturday, November 7, with six crew members on board.
During the voyage, the vessel experienced a main engine failure, prompting the captain to anchor at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The captain subsequently contacted the vessel’s manager, who initially arranged for tug assistance.
However, while awaiting assistance, the vessel dragged its anchor and eventually ran aground at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Sunday.
MARAD further disclosed that at approximately 5:34 a.m., the crew observed that the vessel was taking in water, prompting all six members to abandon the vessel and seek refuge in a life raft.
The crew members were subsequently rescued by the Coast Guard and transported to the Boathouse, where they underwent medical examinations before being released.
Following the incident, MARAD ordered the vessel’s owners to secure the grounded vessel and arrange for its removal as soon as possible.
The Maritime Administration Department confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.
