Essequibo man drowns at Lake Capoey during weekend outing

Police in Regional Division Two are investigating the suspected drowning of 33-year-old Mortimer Sooknanan, a labourer of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, whose body was discovered on Sunday morning in Lake Capoey.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, August 2, during a recreational trip to the popular lakeside location.

According to police, Mortimer had travelled to the lake with his 30-year-old brother, Naitram Sooknanan, and two friends. At around 11:00 hrs, the group was seen consuming alcohol near the water.

Naitram later told investigators that around 13:30 hrs, while they were all swimming, he noticed his brother exit the water and sit on a bench near the boat landing. However, by 14:00 hrs, Mortimer was no longer visible, prompting a search which proved unsuccessful that day.

Family members, including Naitram, returned to the lake early Sunday morning and resumed their search. Mortimer’s body was eventually discovered submerged in the lake around 08:00 hrs.

Detectives examined the remains and observed what appeared to be fish bites to the deceased’s neck, back, and left ear. The body was transported to the Suddie Public Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

Mortimer’s remains are now at the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigations are ongoing.