Elderly man dies at Long Bay in possible drowning during family picnic on holiday weekend

An elderly man who went to the beach with family members on Monday, May
6, Labour Day, died in a suspected drowning.
 
Reports say that 76-year-old Rupert Thomas of Clare Hall succumbed at Long
Bay after allegedly encountering difficulties in the water.
 
He was pulled, unresponsive, from the water and subsequently pronounced
dead by the district doctor. A post mortem examination will be conducted to
determine the cause of his death.
 
Thomas’ relatives are still in shock and grief as they ponder the circumstances
leading to his death on what was expected to be a joyous family outing.
 
Last week, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services (MET) issued an
advisory to beachgoers, warning about high waves and currents. However,
this was for beaches mainly to the north of the island.
 
Meanwhile, this incident is the second drowning in just over a week. Last
Sunday, April 28, a three-year-old reportedly lost his life in a swimming pool
in Briggins. 
 
The child and his mother were vacationing with family and had been here for
two weeks.