Body of construction worker recovered from Hope Canal

The body of 21-year-old Shaheed Ali, a construction worker and father of one, was recovered from the Hope Canal, East Coast Demerara, just around midday on Tuesday. Ali reportedly drowned while swimming with his brother-in-law and an 18-year-old boy after consuming alcohol on Monday afternoon.

His sister, Ateeyyea Ali told the News Room that the family searched for hours for the body. Residents in the area also assisted the family with the search until the body was found.

“We are really grateful for them cause they give us like their boats and engines to help search for him until we find him,” the sister explained.

Police Headquarters reported that Ali, his brother-in-law, who is also a construction worker, along with the 18-year-old, were drinking ‘Vasco wine and Turbo energy drink’ at about 14:45hrs on Monday.

Fifteen minutes later, the brother-in-law said they decided to go swimming in the canal.

He claimed that he saw when Ali jumped in the water and went down. When he did not surface after a few minutes, they began searching for him.

The brother-in-law and teen are in police custody pending an investigation.