The death of a man who was fatally injured while freediving for crayfish in Lockrum Bay is no longer being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force said an autopsy found no evidence of foul play and described it as a “tragic marine-related incident” in a press release on 11 February.
On 29 January, the Joint Emergency Services Control Room received a report shortly after 8pm requesting ambulance assistance, saying the man had been struck by a fish.
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Officers from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service and emergency medical services staff attended the scene at the bay near Little Harbour.
From there, the injured man was transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation into the incident began and, at the time, it was treated as suspicious pending further enquiries and forensic examinations.
“This is standard procedure in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths, particularly where the exact cause and mechanism of injury are not immediately known,” police said in the latest press release.
“The classification allowed investigators to conduct a full and thorough inquiry while awaiting specialist medical and forensic results.”
An autopsy was performed by a certified pathologist and, based on the medical findings and the information gathered, there was no evidence of foul play.
Police told Anguilla Focus that, as the matter is no longer treated as suspicious, the autopsy’s detailed findings will be shared only with the family of the deceased.
They added that his identity is not being released at this time, as the matter is not a criminal or suspicious death requiring further police investigation.
Police warned members of the public, particularly those engaged in fishing and marine activities, to exercise caution while at sea and to remain aware of the potential dangers posed by marine life.
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force extends sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” it added.
