THE body of Kevin France, who fell overboard after the boat in which he was travelling capsized on Saturday last, was recovered on Monday, floating in the Canje Creek.

France, along with four others, was in a boat in New Forest heading to Banib, Canje Creek when heavy waves from two other boats that were 20 to 30 feet ahead caused the boat to capsize.

As a result, the occupants fell overboard; the four managed to swim to safety, and upon checking, France was nowhere in sight.

A report was made to the police on the said day and a party of policemen went to the area where a search was conducted, but to no avail. However, family members returned to the area on Sunday in a desperate bid to find the young man, but were unsuccessful.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, an aunt of France, Natasha Williams, said he left to prospect work for a relative who owns a ranch and farm in Canje Creek and Saturday was his second trip, having gone on Friday.

“He left home after six to go with a cousin in Canje Creek to do some work and we have the news about the accident around 11, and the others survived but he didn’t. They went on Friday also and he went around the same time but returned at 2:00 pm,” the aunt said.

France was an ex-police officer and a father of one. He was described as a caring, giving and kind individual.

He would have celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday.

The body was taken from the scene to the Bailey’s Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post mortem.