Porter drowns after trying to swim across Barima River

A 22-year-old porter of Four Miles, Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima- Waini), Franklyn Benjamin, drowned on Thursday after attempting to swim across the Barima river.

According to police reports, Benjamin and other crew members left Port Kaituma to deliver good supplies and fuel in the backdam, as per normal.

The supply crew was forced to stop at the Barima River, which was high at the time and as such, preventing them from crossing. The team, however, waited for two days for the water to recede by continuous heavy rainfall prevented the water from receding.

Police reported that Benjamin, who was frustrated at waiting so long, attempted to swim across the River on Thursday. The river is, reportedly, 65 feet in width and has a heavy water current.

It was also reported that while in the middle of the river, Benjamin shouted for assistance. Though they tried to help, their efforts were futile. As such, the man drowned and did not resurface.

Later, his body surfaced and was escorted to the Port Kaituma District hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.