The body of a 38-year-old sailor was recovered yesterday morning after he reportedly fell overboard in an accident at the wharf at St Mary’s Quarry, which is operated by Toolsie Persaud Limited on the left bank of the Essequibo River.
The dead man has been identified by police as Damion McAlmont, of Lot 4/20 Wapping Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
McAlmont worked for the company aboard a tug and barge.
According to a police report, the accident occurred around 2.30 am yesterday.
The police said their enquiries revealed that around 2 am, the barge arrived at the Toolsie Persaud Quarry, St Mary Whaft.
Another sailor told the police that he was on the right side of the barge pulling the bow rope when he noticed McAlmont running towards the same side of the barge. He, however, fell into the river. As a result, the man said that he jumped into the water in an effort to rescue McAlmont but was unsuccessful.
McAlmont’s body was retrieved around 6 am yesterday. It was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A police investigation has since been launched.
