Venezuelan diver dies during underwater operation in Essequibo River

Luis Martinez, a 66-year-old Venezuelan diver, died after failing to resurface during a diving operation in the Essequibo River, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Anna Regina, on Wednesday.

Police Headquarters reported that, Martinez departed Kingston Wharf, Georgetown, at approximately 17:14 hrs aboard a vessel with several other crew members to assist in an operation to refloat another vessel in the Essequibo River.

Upon arriving at the location, Martinez reportedly entered the water to conduct diving operations.

However, after approximately 20 minutes, he failed to resurface, prompting concern among the crew members.

The crew subsequently used a rope attached to Martinez’s body to pull him from the water. He was found motionless and frothing at the mouth.

He was then transported to the Transport and Harbours Department Wharf at Stabroek, Georgetown, where ambulance personnel were summoned.

An examination of his body revealed no visible marks of violence on the exposed parts.

His body was later escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE