Virgin Islands Search and Rescue volunteers recovered the body of Natanael Gumbs Tuesday around 7 a.m. at Little Bay, 18 hours after he was reported missing, according a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Police Information Officer Diane Drayton reported on Monday afternoon that VISAR and the RVIPF were searching for an unidentified male, who turned out to be Mr. Gumbs, 23, of Hannahs Estate.
Two other people who were also at Little Bay were taken to Peebles Hospital for treatment Tuesday, Ms. Drayton said.
She added that the matter is under investigation, and she couldn’t comment on the cause of death or the status of the other two.
She also said police don’t know whether Mr. Gumbs and the two others were swimming, on a paddleboard, or doing something else.
“We’re still getting all the details,” she said.
VISAR President Gerard Kraakman said he’s heard that the victim may have been on a paddleboard, but he couldn’t confirm that report either.
Like other beaches on Tortola’s north shore, the bay is often subject to strong currents and rough water during a north swell.
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