Intoxicated woman, 2-Y-O grandson allegedly drown after boat capsizes

A 42-year-old man remains in police custody as investigations continue into an alleged drowning incident which claimed the life of his wife and grandson.

Police say they are investigating the alleged drowning of Agatha Gill, 38, a housewife of Friendship Canal Lower Pomeroon River, and a two-year-old child of the same address.

At the time of the accident, which occurred between 23:30hrs Friday to 00:00hrs, the family was heading home in a wooden balahoo with a 75 HP engine.

Investigations revealed that Agatha left home and went to consume alcohol with some friends at Burn Bush L.P.R in the company of her husband, Riley Gill, and their grandson.

Police Headquarters said Riley, who was highly intoxicated, stated that as he entered the Friendship Canal, a coconut husk hit the engine propeller and he lost control of the handle of the engine, which caused the boat to hit the edge of the left bank of the river and the boat capsized.

His wife and grandson were trapped underneath. Riley said he tried to pull out his wife and grandson from underneath the boat but his efforts were futile.

He then called for help and a group of public-spirited citizens came to assist in turning the boat over after which he retrieved his wife and his grandchild in an unconscious state.

They were rushed to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said there were no marks of violence on the bodies and foul play is not suspected. The bodies are at the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a Post Mortem Examination.

The husband is in custody at the Charity Police Station. Investigations are ongoing.