Oistins shock as crewman dies

Fisherfolk at the Berinda Cox Market in Oistins were thrown into a state of shock this morning with the discovery of the lifeless body of a man floating in the sea.

Just after 10 a.m., members of the Coast Guard recovered the body of Benjamin Burgess, 23, a British national, from the water.

Coast Guard recover the body of Benjamin Burgess from the water.

Burgess worked as an engineer aboard an oil tanker anchored just off the fish market’s pier.

Police at Oistins had received a report of a body submerged in the water around the jetty.

Several fisherfolk told Barbados TODAY they saw Burgess in the area of the neighbouring Bay Garden, last night.

“This got me real surprised,” one vendor said. “He was out here last night. Now he body getting bring in on a boat. I hear he was working on that ship.”

A statement issued by a spokeswoman for Pritchard-Gordon Tankers, Sally Bishop, said the company was awaiting details of the incident from the Royal Barbados Police Force.

“The Master and crew of the vessel Lucy PG (IMO: 9229013), together with the company are cooperating fully with all local authorities who are carrying out the investigation into these tragic circumstances.”

Burgess’ next-to-kin had been informed about his death, and were being kept up to date with information as it becomes available, the statement added.

“Everyone at Pritchard-Gordon Tankers is devastated by what has happened. All our thoughts and condolences go out to family and friends of the deceased at this very sad and difficult time,” the company said.

Police have asked anyone who may have information related to the incident to contact Oistins Police Station at 418-2612, Police Emergency 211, Crime Stoppers 1-800-8477 or any police station.