Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent drowning of 26-year-old Vishal Narine, a labourer from Lot 1, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred around 4:50 p.m. on Monday at the Land of Canaan wharf.
According to police reports, construction work is ongoing at a wharf on the eastern side of the Demerara River, where the event unfolded.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that Narine had been consuming alcohol with a male companion since 7:30 a.m. that day. At approximately 3:00 p.m., Narine became involved in a heated argument with his family—his father, brother, and sister—after they refused to give him money to buy more alcohol.
Shortly after the confrontation, Narine left his home around 4:50 p.m., stating that he was heading to the river. Despite attempts by his 33-year-old sister, Parbattie Sancharra, to stop him, he proceeded towards the water. Parbattie called for the assistance of neighbours, who are also relatives, to prevent him from going further.
Narine’s cousin, 28-year-old Daveraj Singh, followed him to the river. However, before he could reach Narine, Vishal jumped into the water. Singh, noticing that Narine appeared to be struggling, quickly jumped in to attempt a rescue. He reported that the river’s current was too strong, and despite several attempts to locate Narine, all efforts proved unsuccessful.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and the body of Vishal Narine has yet to be recovered as of the latest reports.
