Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected drowning of 19-year-old Zakeem Nicholas of Seatons.

Reports indicate that Mr. Nicholas and a companion went out to sea on the morning of Friday, 13 February, aboard a vessel for a recreational diving activity off Seaton’s Dock.

Both individuals reportedly entered the water; however, Nicholas subsequently developed problems with his fishing gear and was last seen swimming back to the vessel.

When his companion returned to the boat, Nicholas was nowhere to be found. Efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.

The Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard was notified and immediately initiated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels and rescue personnel.

After several hours of extensive searching, Mr. Nicholas was not located, and the search was suspended at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

At approximately 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard resumed search efforts, and at 10:09 a.m., the lifeless body of Mr. Nicholas was discovered on the seabed in the vicinity of Long Bay Beach.

He was subsequently pronounced dead at approximately 10:39 a.m.

The Police Administration extends sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Zakeem Nicholas and expresses gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard and all those who assisted in the search and recovery operation.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.