THE body of a 22-year-old porter of Four Miles Port Kaituma, Region One, surfaced on Thursday last after he had attempted to swim across the Barima River, North West District (NWD).

Dead is Franklyn Benjamin, a porter who transported food supply and fuel to various back dams.

Police said that on Monday last, about 06:00hrs, Benjamin and his crew left Port Kaituma to deliver food supplies and fuel in the back dam. The supply crew was forced to stop at the Barima River, which was high at the time and, as such, prevented them from crossing. The team, however, waited for two days for the water to recede but continuous heavy rainfall prevented the water from receding.

Out of frustration on Thursday last, Benjamin attempted to swim across the Barima River which is about 65 feet in width, with a heavy water current. Whilst in the middle of the river, Benjamin shouted for help and his crew members attempted to help him, but their efforts were unsuccessful as he went down into the water and did not surface.

Hours after, he was fished out of the water by his crew members and escorted to Port Kaituma District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.