Guards drowned in Puruni River; bodies and weapons recovered

Drowning has been confirmed as the cause of death for two security guards who perished after their boat capsized in the Puruni River, Middle Mazaruni, earlier this week.

The deceased have been identified as 37-year-old Jerwayne Grimmond of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, and 35-year-old Kevis Robin of No. 30 Village, West Coast Berbice. Post-mortem examinations conducted by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home determined that both men died by drowning.

According to initial police reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when an aluminium boat carrying four men was travelling from Surie Mouth Backdam to Puruni Landing. The vessel reportedly overturned mid-river, throwing all occupants into the water. Two men, including the boat’s captain, managed to swim to safety, while Grimmond and Robin were swept away by strong currents.

Search operations led by police were immediately launched. Grimmond’s body was found later that same day, while Robin’s body was recovered the following morning, on November 6. Investigators also retrieved two firearms—a shotgun and an AR-15–style rifle—along with ammunition belonging to the security company that employed the men.

Police confirmed that there were no visible marks of violence on either body. The recovered weapons and ammunition have been lodged as the investigation into the fatal incident continues.