Body of cop recovered in Puruni River

The body of Lance Corporal Batson was recovered at approximately 14:00 hrs today in the Puruni River.

A search party comprising four boats and 12 persons conducted an extensive search for the missing corporal.

The body was examined, photographed, and documented by a police officer, who noted that it was found face-up, in a bloated state, near the riverbank, surrounded by debris.

On Wednesday, while travelling through a ‘fall’ with two colleagues, the engine of their boat malfunctioned, causing water to enter the vessel and leading to a partial sinking.

As the boat began to sink, Batson jumped into the river. After a while, he was overcome by the water and disappeared beneath the surface.