Nigerian medical student drowns off Fort Duvernette

Tragedy struck on the southern coast of St Vincent on Emancipation Day when a Nigerian medical student drowned in the vicinity of Fort Duvernette.

The non-national who has been identified as 29-year-old Michael Odu, drowned on August, 1, after it was reported that he fell into difficulty while traversing rocks.

According to reports, the deceased and a group of friends went to Fort Duvenette for a picnic around noon on Tuesday, August 1. A release from the police said he reportedly crossed over to Young Island later the same day, and while attempting to return to Fort Duvenette, he encountered problems.

Odu was pulled unconscious from the sea and attempts were made to resuscitate him. He was taken by water taxi to the Young Island Dock and then transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) where he was pronounced dead by the District Medical Officer.

Investigations are on going and a postmortem examination will be conducted on the body to ascertain the cause of death.

SEARCHLIGHT was reliably informed that the deceased, who is not a swimmer, was crossing on rocks when he was swept off his feet by the ocean tide. Persons who were present made attempts to pull him out of the water, but they were unable to get him out conscious. Attempts were also made by those who were present to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation but they were unable to successfully do so.

SEARCHLIGHT also understands that two other persons were swept away, but they were able to return to safety.

Persons were advised against visiting Fort Duvernette also known as Rock Fort, after it was closed in 2022 by the National Trust to undergo repairs. The fort has not been officially reopened for the use of the public; however, the area is still visited.