Teen drowns while crossing Siparuni River

(Kaieteur News) – A 16-year-old boy drowned while attempting to cross the fast-flowing Siparuni River at Rock Bar, Region Eight, police said.

Dead is Bentley Joseph Jnr., of Circuitville, Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Police said Joseph and several others had travelled from their camp to an area known as Tunnel to engage in mining activities. According to preliminary investigations, on Sunday, 20th September, Joseph and his cousin were attempting to cross the Siparuni River on foot at Rock Bar when Joseph reportedly fell into the rapidly flowing water.

He reportedly attempted to swim but subsequently went under and failed to resurface. An alarm was raised and a search was launched for the teenager. Two days later, on Tuesday, 22nd September, at about 6:24hrs, Joseph’s body was found floating in the river. Police ranks who examined the body reported that there were no visible marks of violence and no indication of foul play.