A 55-year-old businessman and boat captain has died after losing control of his vessel and striking a large overhanging tree limb at the Moruca River Mouth, North West District, Region One, police said.

John Henry, called "Johnny," of Kumaka Waterfront, Moruca, succumbed to his injuries at the Kumaka District Hospital. His body has been transferred to the Moruca District Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The incident occurred around 16:00hrs on Friday. Henry and his nephew had earlier departed Kumaka in a blue and white wooden shed boat, powered by a 225 HP Yamaha outboard engine, travelling to Charity, Essequibo, to purchase supplies.

At approximately 15:40hrs, the pair left Charity for Moruca with the vessel loaded with goods. While navigating the Moruca River Mouth, Henry reportedly lost control of the boat, which collided with a large tree limb overhanging the southern bank.

Both occupants sustained injuries in the crash. Henry's nephew received medical treatment and was later transferred to the Lima Public Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Police are continuing their investigations.