By Indarjit Seuraj Wednesday, September 2 2009

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Family matters: Clarke Welch, left, his wife Raquel, centre, and daughter Paige. Raquel and Paige were injured in an accident at sea in Chaguaramas on...

Despite the efforts to save the left arm of 13-year-old Paige Welch, which was almost severed during a boating accident on August 16, doctors in the United States (US) have decided to amputate part of her limb. Her father Clarke Welch confirmed this during an interview with The Eagle-Tribune on Saturday.

According to Welch, his daughter underwent a fifth surgery last Friday when doctors at the Boston Children’s Hospital decided to amputate the limb four to six inches below the elbow.

He also noted that doctors are still monitoring Paige’s arm as it remains uncertain how much of her arm can be saved.

Paige, her mother Raquel Welch, 40, of New Hampshire, and 23-year-old cousin Lance Aqui, were seriously injured on August 16, during a kayaking expedition in Chaguaramas.

Paige’s left arm was almost severed during the incident and doctors at the Medical Associates private hospital had initially done surgery that same day to try and save Paige’s arm.

On Monday, Paige was expected to start eighth grade at Hamstead Middle School in New Hampshire after excelling academically the previous semester.

Instead, she is expected to be out for another couple of weeks during which she will undergo additional surgery.

According to Welch, his wife is now walking with the assistance of a cane, but was able to visit Paige after returning home from Trinidad, last week.

It was reported that an army private officer was steering the 28-foot pirogue Andelle and on reaching close to Scotland Bay, collided with the two-man kayak carrying the three victims.

With its 200-horse power Yamaha outboard engine, the pirogue reportedly struck the port (left) side of the kayak, sending the three relatives into the water.

The hull of the boat reportedly ripped the tiny kayak in half, with the engine propeller believed to have done most of the damage to the victims as they floated helplessly.

Welch had arrived in Trinidad within 24 hours of hearing the news of the accident and almost three days later, hired an air ambulance at the cost of US$32,000. This, he told the Eagle, he charged to his credit card. Acting Cpl Hannibal is leading investigations which are expected to conclude soon.