The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

THE body of a man believed to be in his late fifties was found floating off the shores of Junkanoo Beach yesterday morning.

According to Inspector Chrislyn Skippings, police are unaware of the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

“There appears to be no visible signs of injury,” she said. “Just looking at him he appears to be anywhere between 55 and 60. We suspect drowning, but are not sure.”

Police said a call about the body was made around 8:45am on Wednesday, prompting the Defence Force Harbour Patrol to go and inspect the area.

Although police have not officially identified the body, eyewitnesses said the man was a native who drove a black Chevrolet truck that was parked in the front of the beach and was registered to “Creswell Neely.”

They said the man was a familiar presence around the area and could often be seen fishing there in the early mornings.

George Woodside said the man was seen by an elderly couple floating face down under the dock.

“A few people were on the beach, an elderly man and woman,” he said. “The gentlemen claimed to see a body under the water right in front of the dock so I had to get up and see for myself. I couldn’t see anything but after the man called the police and the police confirmed that a body was floating in the water so officers came, tied a rope to the man and pulled him out of the water.”

“The man always come on the dock or Arawak Cay to fish,” said Mr Woodside. “I know him from coming to the beach for years now even though I had no interactions with him.”

Inspector Skippings is reminding persons to take precautionary measures when going to the beach to ensure their safety.

“I would just encourage beach-goers to take a family member or a friend with them to the beach and to check with the meteorological department to make sure they are aware of weather issues that could affect them at the beach,” the Inspector said.