Autopsies performed on the remains of Ravie Chowtie and Ozard Russell, the two friends whose bodies were recovered on Friday, days after they fell into the Essequibo River confirmed that they both drowned, Commander of ‘D’ Division Edmond Cooper confirmed.
Chowtie, 50, of Eastern Hog Island, Essequibo River, and Russell, 56, of Aliki, Essequibo River both fell overboard last Tuesday after the boat they were travelling in was involved in a mishap.
Chowtie first fell and Russell reportedly jumped in in an effort to save him. They both disappeared in the waters.
Their bodies were recovered on Friday morning in the vicinity of Hubu, Parika, EBE.
Reports had revealed that the incident occurred around 1pm last Tuesday when the men and Chowtie’s common-law wife left the Hubu koker in a wooden boat for their Hog Island home.
The boat, which measured some 20 feet in length, was being captained by Russell, who is said to have been drinking with Chowtie prior to their departure.
Chowtie’s wife had reported to the police that as they were in the channel at Hog Island, they experienced rough water, which resulted in Chowtie falling overboard.
As a result, she said Russell jumped to save him and neither resurfaced.
The woman then drifted to the Eastern Hog Island foreshore, where she raised an alarm, which led to a search.
