The body of a miner, Exley Boyal, a 40-year-old from Batavia Village, Cuyuni River was found about 17:30hrs yesterday floating in the Essequibo River.
The body was subsequently fished out and escorted to the Bartica Hospital, where the official confirmation of death was made.
Examinations were done on the body by a Crime Scene Technician and no marks of violence were seen. However, a ‘blood-like’ substance was seen oozing from his nostrils. His body was then taken to the hospital mortuary for storage as it awaits a post-mortem examination.
According to reports, the miner went missing on Thursday, April 18, 2024, between 8:30hrs and 10:45hrs while traveling from Bartica to Burn Bush, Essequibo River.
On the aforementioned date at around 10:45hrs, a Boat Captain from Falmouth. Essequibo River, called the Bartica Police Station and reported that he saw a small wooden boat called “Ballahoo” with a 15 hp Yamaha outboard engine, drifting in the vicinity of Byderabo, Essequibo River. He also stated that the engine was on, but no one was in the boat.
The scene was visited by a rank, and the said boat was seen. The boat was then searched, and 1 ZTE Cellular Phone and four five-gallon pails were found. Thereafter, the boat was taken to the Bartica Police Station, where it was lodged.
A telephone number for the wife of the deceased was obtained, and she was contacted shortly thereafter and told of the discovery.
She stated that Boyal is her husband and identified the boat that was found in the Essequibo River to be their property. She also stated that on April 18, 2024, at 8:30hrs, she, along with her husband and a 59-year-old Chainsaw Operator from Batavia Village, traveled to Bartica.
She further disclosed that she disembarked at Bartica Market, while her husband and the aforementioned male proceeded to Burn Bush, Essequibo River.
Following the discovery, the 59-year-old male was contacted and questioned by ranks, and he indicated that after Boyal’s wife disembarked at Bartica Market, he and Boyal went to Sherry’s Saw Mill at Burn Bush Essequibo River. But before proceeding, they stopped at Dass’s Liquor Store at First Avenue, Bartica purchased half a bottle of High Wine and started imbibing.
He further added that they arrived safely at Sherry’ Saw Mill, and after a while, Boyal left Burn Bush, returning to Bartica with the boat.
Investigations are ongoing.
