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A Santander tractor operator drowned yesterday in the Valley of Peace area. 29-year-old Kenrick Grinage went off duty at midday and headed to the riverside. His intention was to cross the river but the boat to ferry workers across wasn’t there. That’s when Grinage attempted to swim across, he wouldn’t make it. And today police told us what they’ve been able to find out about his drowning.

ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB
"Shortly after midday, Mr Grinage reported off duty from Santander where he is a tractor operator where he proceeded to the riverside. There is usually a boat there that crosses them to the southern side of the river. However, upon his arrival alone, the vessel was not there, and he apparently decided to swim across. Where some 15 feet into his swimming, he apparently was suffering some problems and he submerged underwater. One of his co-workers, David Esquivel, who was coming a few minutes behind him, saw him struggling under the process. He jumped into the water in order to try and rescue Mr Grinage. However, upon him getting to Mr Grinage, he was able to pull him back to the northern banks of the river, where he was already motionless. He tried to perform CPR but that was not able to revive Mr Grinage. So, his body was removed from the area, where he was taken to the Western Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have visited the area. Several statements have been recorded from those persons and an investigation is ongoing at this time."

According to reports, Grinage was a former soldier and a capable swimmer.  He lived in St. Matthews village.