A police investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 61-year-old diver in the Upper Mazaruni River.
The diver was identified as 61-year-old, Hugh Van Lewin of Camp Kayuka, Ideal Road, Kuru Kururu. According to the police, the incident occurred at the Mipuri Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River on Sunday around 11:15 am.
A release from the police said that initial investigations found that Van Lewin reportedly was at the time underwater in the river operating from a dredge along with others. It was observed that the man was not receiving oxygen or responding. Subsequently a colleague went underwater and found him in an unconscious state with his head stuck in the mud.
The diver was removed in an unresponsive state and taken to the Imbaimadai Health Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Health Centre’s mortuary awaiting a post- mortem examination.
