The bloated, decomposed corpses of two fishermen who were forced overboard their pirogues in a brutal robbery in the Gulf of Paria have washed up from the sea. The bodies brought tears in the eyes of friends and relatives who spent more than 24 hours searching for them, with the desperate hope that they would still be alive. Around 8 am yesterday, their worst fears were realised when Motilal Ramkhelawan's corpse washed ashore close to the La Brea jetty at Point D'Or. One hour later, the body of Krishna Apoo, also surfaced close to the Clifton Hill beach.
Relatives said Ramkhelawan's face bore injuries which appeared to be chop wounds. His mother Gollin Mohan, threw her hands in the air and began bawling when she got news of the death. Up to late yesterday, the body of a third fisherman, identified as Kenny, remained unaccounted for. Ramkhelawan's brother Clint Ramkhelawan said for more than a day, they combed the seas, hoping and praying that the fishermen were alive. Clint said Ramkhelawan loved the sea and it was the first time he was robbed. He said the robbers stole the boat and the engine valued $30,000.
Ramkhelawan has three children Crystal Jagroop, 15, Alisa, 11, and nine-year-old Justin. Apoo's brother Devan said they needed more protection at sea and better patrols by the Coast Guard. Meanwhile, close friend of the family, Ashmead Mohammed, said relatives needed assistance for the funeral.
He called on Pointe-a-Pierre MP Errol McLeod to assist the family with funeral expenses. Autopsies are scheduled to be done on the bodies today at the Forensic Science Centre. Police said they were yet to make any arrests. Corporal Taitt of the La Brea police station is continuing investigations. (RS)