In a somber turn of events, the body of Lance Corporal Jermaine Batson was recovered from the Puruni River on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at approximately 14:00 hours, bringing a tragic end to a search operation that began two days earlier.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, February 18, when Lance Corporal Batson, along with Constable Quincy Marks and boat captain Ransdale Melville, embarked on a routine patrol along the Puruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The trio departed from Puruni Landing at around 09:00 hours in a 12-foot wooden boat powered by a 40-horsepower Yamaha engine.
The Incident
At approximately 11:45 hours, while navigating upstream through a treacherous section of the river known for its strong currents and rocky outcrops, the patrol encountered trouble. The boat’s engine suddenly failed, causing water to rapidly enter the vessel. As the situation became critical, Lance Corporal Batson, who was armed with a Taurus pistol containing 15 rounds, made the fateful decision to jump into the river.
Constable Marks and Melville managed to secure themselves on a nearby rock, tying the partially submerged boat to a branch. In a brief exchange, Batson, who was last seen holding onto a branch on the opposite side of the river, confirmed he was unharmed and inquired about his colleagues’ safety.
Search and Recovery
As Marks and Melville attempted to bail out water and restart the engine, they lost sight of Batson2. Despite immediate search efforts, they were unable to locate their colleague. The pair then made their way to a nearby camp to report the incident via Wi-Fi.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Chaitram, Detective Sergeant Jonas, and Constable Watts were promptly dispatched to investigate and assist in the search operations. The search continued for two days before Batson’s body was discovered approximately one hundred yards from the incident site.
Implications and Questions Raised
This tragic incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures and equipment provided to law enforcement officers patrolling Guyana’s challenging river systems. The Stabroek News pointed out that the quality of river craft used by the police for patrols will likely come under scrutiny.
As the Guyana Police Force mourns the loss of Lance Corporal Batson, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings may lead to a review and potential overhaul of safety protocols for river patrols in the region.
The loss of Lance Corporal Jermaine Batson serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, particularly in Guyana’s remote and often dangerous interior regions. As the nation reflects on this tragedy, there will undoubtedly be calls for improved safety measures and equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
