Contractor drowns at Ruby Backdam

Jul 07, 2025 News

Persons trying to revive the contractor

Kaieteur News – A 44-year-old contractor reportedly drowned Saturday evening after falling into canal at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Police identified him as Raj Birsa. The incident reportedly took place around 19:00hrs.

According to investigators, Birsa was drinking at a shop and had gone to urinate at the canal when he fell.

“At the time, the ‘koker’ was opened,” police said, explaining that the strong current pulled him away.

When ranks arrived, a search party was formed. Birsa was found some two hours later but he was motionless and unresponsive.

In a cellphone video sent to Kaieteur News, multiple persons were seen trying to revive Birsa but all attempts were futile.

One individual was seen administering CPR, and another was seen shaking him. Others did all they could to get a response, but all efforts failed.

Birsa was later pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Investigations are ongoing.

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drown, Leonora Cottage Hospital, Raj Birsa, Ruby Backdam

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