Police launch investigation into suspected drowning of one of their own

Police in the Calliaqua district have initiated an investigation into the suspected drowning of a member of the constabulary that occurred on Sunday March, 17, 2024. The incident tragically resulted in the loss of Police Constable 849 Robin Spencer of Diamond, who served in the Narcotics Unit within the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Residents of the vicinity told SEARCHLIGHT that the incident took place at an area between Salt Pond and Brighton Bay referred to as ‘the deep’ where persons frequently go to fish. Huge waves were reportedly affecting that entire coastline.

Initial findings suggest that Spencer who loved fishing, accompanied by a friend, went fishing after 1:00 p.m. It was reported that around 3:00 p.m, Spencer was swept out to sea by a wave and subsequently lost his life, the police said in a report.

Following the incident, the SVG Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched a team via a Coast Guard vessel to conduct a search and rescue operation. Spencer’s lifeless body was recovered from the water. Attempts at resuscitation by Coast Guard personnel were unsuccessful. Spencer was then transported to the Coast Guard Base where a medical practitioner pronounced him deceased.

A post-mortem examination was scheduled for yesterday, March 18, 2024 to determine the cause of death.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams, along with Gazetted Officers, and all members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and its Auxiliary Police Force, have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Spencer’s widow, family, and friends during this difficult time.

Police are also asking for anyone with information that can assist with this and other investigations to call 911/999, the Calliaqua Police Station at 784-458-4200, or any police station or police officer with whom they are comfortable speaking.