The body of 22-year-old Michelle Benjamin, who went down in the Essequibo River while on a family outing at Bird Island on Sunday, has been recovered. Michelle’s body was found yesterday by a search party comprising relatives and villagers. It was floating a short distance away from where she went down. An informed source said that the young woman was among some 12 family members who had earlier in the afternoon left Bird Island on a fun trip to Aliki.  They were returning to the home where the reunion was held when tragedy struck.

The Chronicle understands that the man driving the boat began rocking it and was upbraided for doing so.
The boat captain, it was observed, became annoyed and remained sulky for the remainder of the journey.  A few minutes later, as they approached the landing, the man gave the boat a sudden swerve, causing it to capsize.
Adults helped the children with them out of the water, while men from another boat which was passing also assisted.

When they were all out of the water, they realized that Michelle was missing.

This newspaper learnt that the captain of the boat was not licensed to operate the vessel, and that no one was wearing a life jacket at the time.
He has since been arrested and is in police custody assisting with investigations.