PARAMARBO, Suriname (CMC) — Suriname has declared Wednesday a day of national mourning as the search continues for persons missing from a boating accident that took place on Sunday near the Tapoekoe/Bamboesi area in the Marowijne district.

Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, in making the declaration, said all flags on public buildings and ships moored at the quay will be flown at half-mast.

According to the Communication Service Suriname (CDS), Santokhi is expected to sign the book of condolence in the press centre of the Office of the President on Wednesday as the authorities in the country and in French Guiana continue their investigations into the cause of the accident.

On Monday, President Santokhi said he was “deeply shocked” to have learnt of the boating accident on the border river between Suriname and French Guiana that has so far claimed the lives of three people.

The boating incident occurred when a group of family members were returning to Saint-Laurent from Albina after attending a funeral. All victims are said to be part of one family from Saint-Laurent.

The Suriname Police Force (KPS) reported on its website that the aluminium boat with the 12 occupants capsized approximately in the middle of the Marowijne River “presumably due to a gust of wind, causing the boat to end up in a large wave and sink as a result”.

The names of the vessel and the captain have not yet been officially released, and police have confirmed that 12 people were on board the boat and that three bodies have so far been recovered. Four passengers survived the accident.

Among those that have so far survived is an 11-year-old boy who, according to rescue workers from Saint-Laurent, managed to cling to a tree branch.

Some political parties have expressed their condolences to the families and relatives of the boating accident.

“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.