A young porter died last Thursday after he reportedly drowned while attempting to swim across the Barima River, in Region One.
The dead man has been identified as Franklyn Benjamin, 22, a resident of Four Miles, Port Kaituma.
According to a police report, an investigation is ongoing into the man’s death, which occurred around 5.30 pm on Thurs-day.
Police learned that Benjamin would assist in delivering food supplies and fuel to various backdams and he and a crew left Port Kaituma last Sunday for a delivery.
About two days after, the police said the men stopped at the Barima River but the water was high at the time, preventing them from crossing.
As a result, they waited for another two days for the water to recede but there was continuous rainfall.
The police said on Thursday afternoon Benjamin, reportedly out of frustration, attempted to swim across the river, which measures about 65 feet in width, amidst heavy currents.
“Whilst in the middle of the river the deceased [Benjamin] shouted for help and his crew members attempted to but their efforts were futile,” the police noted.
As a result, Benjamin went down into the water.
His lifeless body was subsequently pulled out of the river by his crew members and escorted to Port Kaituma District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
