Sunday, September 2 2012

Rough water on Friday in the Gulf of Paria is believed to have caused the death of one man and serious injury to another.

Police sources informed Sunday Newsday that 47-year-old Harrdath Pope, of Charles Street, Esmeralda Drive, Cunupia, went fishing in the Gulf near Scotland Bay with a male friend when, at about 2 pm, the duo encountered choppy waters.

Pope reportedly jumped out the pirogue into the sea in an attempt to retrieve the net which the fishermen had cast into the ocean. However, he reportedly began shouting to his companion that his chest was hurting and that he needed assistance.

His friend jumped into the water in an attempt to assist him, but was thrown against the vessel by the choppy waters, causing him to break two ribs. Pope’s friend was thus unable to reach him, and watched on helplessly as the 57-year-old man drowned.

The friend was eventually able to make his way to the shore and Pope’s body was later recovered.

Officers from the Carenage Police Station are continuing investigations.