WESTMORELAND, Jamaica - The Westmoreland police on Monday will continue searching for the body of a fisherman from St Ann who is suspected to have drowned after saving his companion in Negril on Sunday.
The man has been identified as 32-year-old Paul Norris, a fisherman of Park Avenue, St Ann's Bay address.
Norris and his common-law spouse had been staying at a hotel located on the West End in Negril since Friday when they reportedly went to a nearby bar when the incident took place.
Police reports are that about 10:20 am, Norris and his common-law spouse were at a bar near the cliffs overlooking the sea, taking pictures when a strong wave knocked the woman into the sea. Norris reportedly jumped into the water to assist her but was swept away by strong currents.
Another male who saw what was happening jumped into the water and assisted the woman with the help of the marine police who were quick on the scene.
The woman and the man who rescued her were taken to the Negril Fire Department, where they were evaluated by the EMTs.
READ: Man drowns at Negril hotel after saving companion
Up to Sunday evening, the search for Norris by the marine police and people in the area proved futile.
Zone Four Commander in charge of Little London and Negril Police District, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shaunjaye Mitchell told Observer Online that it is “highly unlikely” that Norris had survived and the search will continue on Monday.
“The seas were a little bit choppy today but we did search extensively with the marine unit that we have out there and other persons in the area assisting as well but he hasn't been found. So, maybe he submerged and we may have to get help from the Jamaica Defence Force. But the currents were strong so we might have been swept further out at sea,” stated DSP Mitchell.
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