Fisherman found dead in boat after rushing to check vessel taking on water at Mahaica Koker Dam

A 55-year-old fisherman was found dead inside his boat on Monday afternoon after reportedly rushing to check on the vessel when he was informed it was taking in water at a koker dam in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Stephen Ragbeer, also known as “Cannon,” of Lancaster, Unity Village, Mahaica.

According to police, the incident occurred between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm at the 40 Feet Koker Dam, Unity Village, within Regional Division 4C.

Initial investigations revealed that Ragbeer owned a fishing boat which he customarily docked at the 40 Feet Koker Dam after returning from his daily fishing activities.

Police said that on Monday, Ragbeer received information that his boat was taking in water and subsequently left to inspect the vessel.

About 4:00 pm, a report was made to the Mahaica Police Station that a man was seen lying motionless inside a boat at the koker dam.

Ranks responded promptly to the scene and discovered Ragbeer’s body in the vessel. He was immediately escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where a doctor on duty pronounced him dead on arrival.

Investigators examined the body and reported that no visible marks of violence were observed.

The body has since been transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have not yet indicated whether the death is suspected to be medical-related or the result of any other circumstance. Investigations remain ongoing.