THE family of Police Special Corporal 11907, Chakumba “Peter” Scipio, 43, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, was thrown in a state of shock and mourning after they received the tragic news that he drowned in the Berbice River.

Scipio’s lifeless body was pulled from the river about an hour after the boat in which he and eight officers, along with two civilians, were in, suddenly ‘swayed’, causing him and two other policemen to tumble overboard.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of Bermine at around 09:30 hrs. At the time, the team, led by a chief inspector, was making a trip into Sand Hills, Berbice River to investigate a number of thefts within the riverine communities.

According to information, the boat encountered an issue and was taking in water. The Guyana Chronicle was also told that the river was very “rough” at the time.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, said while the team was in the vicinity of Bermine, the boat suddenly swayed and Scipio fell overboard. It was reported that he went under and failed to resurface. Despite valiant efforts to rescue him, his body was later retrieved by ranks of the Coast Guard. It is currently at the Arokium Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Scipio served as the divisional electrician and Coxswain and was attached to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. He was a member of the Force for the past 20 years.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Cleveland Scipio, the younger and only sibling of the deceased cop, described his brother as “everything good”.

“He was a loving man, both a mother and father to his wonderful daughters, he will truly be missed,” Cleveland said.

Cleveland noted that his brother has made the trip up the Berbice River on numerous occasions and was a good swimmer. He was perplexed as to how Chakumba may have met his demise.

Cleveland was moved to tears as he reminisced seeing his brother on Friday evening and was hoping to see him again on Saturday before he left for work.

The police have since launched an investigation into the incident. Scipo leaves to mourn his three daughters, ages 15,17 and 22.