Police in St. Kitts, on Sunday 9th September, 2012, reported that around 12:25pm, they responded to a reported drowning of a St. Peter’s resident in the sea water in Keys.
Reports indicated that 71 years old Adolphus Stevens, drowned while trying to look for a missing local youth, who was having difficulties swimming.
The body of the adolescent, who has been identified as 8 year old Niquan Powell was recovered from the bottom of the ocean late Sunday afternoon by a rescue team from the St. Kitts & Nevis Coast Guard, who had responded to assist in the search and recovery effort. They also benefitted from the assistance of a fisherman from the nearby village.
One of the team members from the coast guard was actually the mother of the little boy, but reports indicate that medical assistance also had to be administered to her, after she had to face the reality that it was her son indeed who had perished, while taking a swim with his family members. After being treated, she was released from hospital.
Police have also indicated that a third person, a little girl, also had to be rescued after she too tried to assist in the effort to help Niquan, when it was realized that he was in trouble. She suffered no serious injury.
It is believed that the victims were greatly affected by the strong ocean currents that are known to be present in the area.
According to eyewitnesses two (2) Ross University students assisted in the recovery of Mr. Adolphus Stevens’ body.