1 killed, 3 missing in pirate attack near Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Authorities in Guyana say one fisherman has been killed and three others are missing following a pirate attack in waters near the South American country.

Police said Monday that they will file murder and piracy charges against five men who were identified by a 43-year-old captain who survived the weekend attack off the coast of neighbouring Suriname.

Police Commander Ian Amsterdam told The Associated Press that pirates attacked the Guyanese crew with machetes, threw them overboard and seized their engine, equipment and fish.

Pirate attacks are common in waters near Guyana and Suriname, although authorities have stepped up patrols in that area. An estimated 20 fishermen have been killed in the past five years.