Drowning victim washes ashore

Bournes of Cooper Trace, Mafeking Village, went missing while swimming with friends in the Mafeking River around 11 am on Sunday.

According to a police report, around 4 pm, Bournes’ body was found washed up on the banks of the river by Coast Guard officers who along with villagers and police, had formed a search party that combed the area for the drowning victim. Bournes reportedly got into difficulties while bathing in the river with friends on the weekend and disappeared under the water before his friends could rescue him. The frightened limers alerted villagers who quickly carried out a search.

Moments after the corpse was found washed ashore, the DMO was called in to view the decomposing corpse. It was subsequently removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James where an autopsy is scheduled for today. Sgt Rampersad of the Mayaro Police Station is continuing investigations.