From RCIPS

Mar 3 2017 at 7:09 PM

Further to the information below we would like to offer the correction that DOE Conservation Officer Alan Mackay, who was first to respond to the incident, actually pulled Mr. Srilimai and Mr. Hansson onshore.  Mr. Hansson, who had been swimming with the deceased, had been keeping Mr. Srilimai afloat for an extended period near the reef in forceful current and at risk to himself.

Mr. Mackay sustained minor injuries and was treated at hospital afterwards.

We would again like to acknowledge the brave efforts of both Mr. Mackay and Mr. Hansson to prevent a tragedy.

Mar 3 2017 at 5:09 PM

UPDATE: Release of Victim’s Name: Water-related Death on 1 March

 Police can confirm that the victim in Wednesday’s water-related death near Rum Point was Mongkol Srilamai, age 44, a resident on island, originally from Thailand.  We would like to extend condolences to his family.

Marine officers would like to acknowledge the bravery of Beha Hansson, age 15, who was swimming with Mr. Mongkol when he encountered difficulties and pulled him from the water, performed CPR, and then re-entered the water to assist a second person to shore who was also in difficulty.  His actions and clear thinking may have prevented a second tragedy.

Mar 2 2017 at 11:37 am

Water-related Death Yesterday, 1 March, Near Rum Point

Around 2:15PM yesterday, 1 March, the 9-1-1 Communications Centre received a report of snorkelers and swimmers in distress in the water near a residence in the Rum Point where they had been attending a party.  The JMU, Fire Service and a Marine Conservation officer nearby responded to the area. Three people were pulled from the water by people on the beach. CPR was performed on one of them, a 44-year-old man who was resident on island, who was unresponsive.

The man was transported to George Town Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the victim will be released once notification procedures to relatives are completed.